as in tyranny
a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power
warned that forfeiture of civil liberties for the sake of security would only result in the terror of totalism
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Recent Examples of totalism
Common sense and a mania for systematization, logical thinking and ideological totalism, are constantly at war in the French character, as a belief in instant happiness and a paranoia about imaginary enemies are in the American.
—
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2022
Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 11 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totalism
Noun
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The balance of power between federal and state governments was the best way to prevent tyranny, manage national affairs such as foreign policy and commerce, and preserve state autonomy over internal local affairs.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
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Assayas offers anecdotes, a feuilleton of tyranny in which the foibles of the mighty and the ruthless reveal the sentimental side of cruelty, the amusement value of ugly deeds, and the polite side of monstrous ideas.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Taking on fascism isn’t right for every program.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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More generally, all forms of fascism begin this way.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Many Florida Hispanics from Cuba and South America vote Republican after fleeing socialist or communist dictatorships.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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When Brazil’s military dictatorship cuts a major highway through Yanomami land in the mid ‘70s, her images become an act of resistance and a turning point in her life, Maria Farinha Filmes said Thursday.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
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His parents’ experience living under totalitarianism shaped his outlook on the world.—
Iris Kwok
May 12,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Another totalitarianism, so recently an ally, was already on the march.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The result is the extreme polarization and absolutism.—
Andrew Cuomo,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
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Iran’s ruling system is often described in political terms, but critics and former insiders say its core is far more radical — a belief structure rooted in religious absolutism, messianic expectation and a worldview that leaves little room for compromise.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In September, when House Democrats gathered for a post-recess caucus meeting, several members argued that their message should focus on big themes, such as authoritarianism and corruption.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The column got mostly positive reactions — well, except from media outlets that are cheering on our descent into authoritarianism.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totalism. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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