expansionism

noun

ex·​pan·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce expansionism (audio)
: a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation
expansionist
ik-ˈspan(t)-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce expansionism (audio)
noun
expansionist adjective
or less commonly expansionistic
ik-ˌspan(t)-shə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce expansionism (audio)

Examples of expansionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The public, according to polls, does not support the President’s expansionism. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2026 Yet the picture is more complicated than simple Chinese expansionism. — Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026 Poland began the largest overhaul of its navy since the Cold War to bolster defenses in the face of Russian expansionism and transatlantic tensions. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Manila’s Teodoro struck the most combative tone, saying that China expansionism continues unabated. — Lim Hui Jie,joanna Ossinger, CNBC, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expansionism

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansionism was in 1899

Rhymes for expansionism

See All Rhymes for expansionism

Browse Nearby Words

expansion coupling
expansionism
expansionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expansionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansionism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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