Definition of nationalismnext
1
as in patriotism
excessive favoritism towards one's own country Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I

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2

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 nationalism Some church leaders also warned that reports of a revival risked being used to promote a form of Christian nationalism that was at odds with Christ’s message. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026 There is no room in America for a war heralded by toxic Christian nationalism and officers praying for Armageddon. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026 For practical purposes, the global refugee system is dead—killed by a worldwide plague of nationalism. George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2026 The activist summary is that Shakespeare might be used to advocate White nationalism. Simon Constable, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nationalism
patriotism
Noun
  • My travels were a form of patriotism, though not of the sort currently on brand in Washington.
    Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The code talkers helped change the outcome of World War I and demonstrated the patriotism of Native Americans.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalism. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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