Keynesianism

1 of 3

noun (1)

Keynes·​ian·​ism ˈkān-zē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Keynesianism (audio)
: the economic theories and programs ascribed to John M. Keynes and his followers
specifically : the advocacy of monetary and fiscal programs by government to increase employment and spending
Keynesian
ˈkān-zē-ən How to pronounce Keynesianism (audio)
noun or adjective

Keynesian

2 of 3

adjective

Keynes·​i·​an ˈkānzēən How to pronounce Keynesian (audio)
: of or relating to Keynesianism

Keynesian

3 of 3

noun (2)

" How to pronounce Keynesian (audio)
plural -s
: an adherent or advocate of Keynesianism

Examples of Keynesianism 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.
Noun
In the 18th century, merchant capitalism yielded to industrial capitalism; in the postwar era, Keynesianism yielded to neoliberalism. — Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 14 May 2025 Neoliberalism, and Keynesianism before it, were largely championed by one party in response to the practical challenges of their day. — Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Experience with such policies from 1965 to 1990 killed naïve Keynesianism among academics. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025 How again did Keynesianism get out of the 1940s, with that record? — Brian Domitrovic, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for Keynesianism

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

John M. Keynes †1946 English economist + English -ian

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1931, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Keynesianism was in 1931

Browse Nearby Words

Keynesian
Keynesianism
keynote
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Cite this Entry

“Keynesianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Keynesianism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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