fundamentalism

noun

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ism ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce fundamentalism (audio)
1
a
often Fundamentalism : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching
b
: the beliefs of this movement
c
: adherence to such beliefs
a minister noted for his strict fundamentalism
2
: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles
Islamic fundamentalism
political fundamentalism
fundamentalist
ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-list How to pronounce fundamentalism (audio)
noun
fundamentalist adjective
or fundamentalistic
ˌfən-də-ˌmen-tə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce fundamentalism (audio)

Examples of fundamentalism 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.
Glenn Close is all too aware of how a certain strain of religious fundamentalism can turn toxic. — Brent Lang, Variety, 19 Nov. 2025 Bice grew up in a household steeped in religious fundamentalism. — Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Her mother found help and resources with other home-schooling residents and slowly the family entered the world of fundamentalism. — Rachel Clarke, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 To these men, Pagli’s death has offered them an opportunity to express their religious fundamentalism. — JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamentalism

Word History

Etymology

fundamental entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundamentalism was in 1912

Rhymes for fundamentalism

See All Rhymes for fundamentalism

Browse Nearby Words

fundamental group
fundamentalism
fundamentalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on fundamentalism

Nglish: Translation of fundamentalism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fundamentalism

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