radicalism

noun

rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈra-di-kə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
Synonyms of radicalismnext
1
: the quality or state of being radical
2
: the doctrines or principles of radicals

Examples of radicalism 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.
Many of the area’s neighborhoods are reliably progressive but not known for their radicalism. — Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 In this era of growing labor radicalism and open conflict with capital, Taylor promised docile and happy workers alongside high profits. — Literary Hub, 12 May 2026 But that distinction would have made little sense to seventeenth-century women, whose religious radicalism led them to make vehement political critiques of their own society. — Chandler Fritz, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026 After a crushing election defeat in 2019, Starmer was chosen as Corbyn’s successor – seen as a safer pair of hands after Labour’s years of radicalism. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for radicalism

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of radicalism was in 1817

Phrases Containing radicalism

Rhymes for radicalism

See All Rhymes for radicalism

Browse Nearby Words

radicalise
radicalism
radicality
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

radicalism

noun
rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈrad-i-kə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
: the quality or state of being radical

More from Merriam-Webster on radicalism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for radicalism

Nglish: Translation of radicalism for Spanish Speakers

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