extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
Synonyms of extremismnext
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism
extremist
ik-ˈstrē-mist How to pronounce extremism (audio)
noun or adjective

Examples of extremism 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.
Gerrymandering, it was now said, was one of the factors that was driving polarization and extremism in general. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 His main challenger, former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, leads a center-right opposition promising more diplomacy and less extremism. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 Fleisher said that mass immigration had fueled Islamist extremism and unrest in parts of Europe, saying Israelis want to avoid similar developments. — Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Beware of extremism — on both sides (the left is not unskewered). — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extremism

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremism was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

extreme unction
extremism
extremist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremism. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extremism

noun
ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics
extremist
-məst How to pronounce extremism (audio)
noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on extremism

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