imperialism

noun

Definition of imperialismnext
as in hostility
tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imperialism The Panama Canal, a symbol of rising US imperialism, was the destination for the very first overseas presidential trip, by Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 16 June 2026 In a country like India, subjugated early in the history of capitalist imperialism, and then bullied after independence by the West, a degree of self-renunciation and collective sacrifice was widely understood to be requisite to economic and political self-strengthening. — Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026 The demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 Kim, who took power in 1946, reframed Christianity as a symptom of American imperialism and repurposed its rituals with himself at the center, instituting requirements for ideological activities and imposing harsh punishments on those who failed to show sufficient devotion. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
  1. hostility
  2. aggression
  3. militarism
  4. jingoism
  5. aggressiveness
Noun
  • The Art, Not Science, of Leadership Ultimately, the hostility toward dual-class shares reflects a broader cultural shift in how many good governance advocates view corporate leadership.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Because that opposition is motivated in part by hostility to artificial intelligence.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Hello to a new era The relationship was characterized by passive aggression, cryptic tweets and small slights that added up to a big, if not inevitable, breakup.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Ukraine and its neighbors are increasingly skeptical that the US will come to their aid in the face of Russian aggression, and are taking precautions accordingly.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Germany, Austria, and other countries turn to protectionism, xenophobia, militarism.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • Today, supposedly sophisticated moderns have laundered Moloch’s dark faith into militarism, imperialism, and capitalism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Definition of militarism
Noun
  • This was an era of over-the-top displays of patriotism and even jingoism; the phrase Let’s make America great again was in.
    — Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Tapping into national pride — dare say jingoism — might have done the trick.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
Definition of jingoism
Noun
  • Dillon Thieneman’s speed Since draft night in April, Thieneman has been lauded for his combination of speed, instincts and aggressiveness.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • This is a lineup structured to thrive with a small-ball approach — high batting average, chaos and aggressiveness on the basepaths, and manufacturing runs.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Definition of aggressiveness

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imperial
imperialism
imperials
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Cite this Entry

“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imperialism

Nglish: Translation of imperialism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imperialism

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