socialist

noun

so·​cial·​ist ˈsō-sh(ə-)list How to pronounce socialist (audio)
Synonyms of socialistnext
1
: one who advocates or practices socialism
2
Socialist : a member of a party or political group advocating socialism
socialist adjective
often Socialist
socialistic
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adjective
socialistically
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of socialist

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Examples of socialist in a Sentence

a lifelong socialist who never lost faith in his cause
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.
Masterson, who has spent the last six years thwarting Kelly’s will as a top legislative leader in Topeka’s Republican supermajority, is now highlighting examples of his bipartisan achievements and describing Holscher as a socialist. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 On election night in 2025, New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani began his victory speech by quoting Eugene Debs, one of the most prominent socialists in 20th-century American politics. — Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026 Sanders, the Vermont socialist and two-time presidential candidate, is likely to chair the Senate panel responsible for overseeing labor, education, and healthcare next year if Democrats reclaim the chamber. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026 The Democrat party is now the party of Bernie Sanders, and AOC and democratic socialists. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for socialist

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of socialist was in 1822

Phrases Containing socialist

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Socialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialist. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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