IMPERIALISM Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

imperialism

noun

Definition of imperialism

as in hostility

tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of imperialism There are so many aspects — of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, all the isms, and fascism, which is coming back — that avoiding politics would be anti-historical. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 For Balthaser, these developments bore out some of the Jewish left’s warnings about Zionism as a project of nationalism, imperialism, and ethnic exclusion. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 31 Aug. 2026 National conservatives, for instance, oppose loosening the United States’ ties with Israel and tolerating Chinese and Russian imperialism. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 The result is a compelling indictment of Russia’s historical and present-day imperialism. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperialism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism

Noun

Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

Trump and Lee must restore deterrence, not reward Kim’s aggression, to avoid strategic and economic calamity.

— Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
The aggression paid off as Kansas converted five fourth downs while improving to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Yet for Asian countries that endured Japanese imperial rule and expansion, Yasukuni remains a symbol of Japan’s militarism.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Yet the defense industry’s disbursement of billions of dollars to lobby Congress and influence policy debates helps drive the United States’ mindless militarism.

— Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of militarism

Browse Nearby Words

imperial

imperialism

imperials

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of imperialism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on imperialism

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

shindig

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes