individualism

noun

ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce individualism (audio)
Definition of individualismnext
1
as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit the novelist gives each character an assortment of individualisms that sets them apart

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in identity
the set of qualities that make a person different from other people his individualism and epic vision set him well apart from other architects of his generation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 individualism Today’s young generation is looking to enhance their skills, apply their creativity and apply their individualism. — David Moin, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 In a world hellbent on celebrating individualism – selfies and influencers and likes and followers – New York won as a collective. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Surely the tournament would be invisible in a country that had loudly discounted soccer as a sport incompatible with rugged individualism and apple pie, wouldn’t it? — Beau Dure, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Madrid’s results under Alonso clouded the reality, there were plenty of scratchy league victories — won more via individualism rather than any inherent tactical structure. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for individualism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for individualism
  1. trick
  2. identity
  3. trait
  4. personality
  5. characteristic
  6. individuality
  7. mannerism
  8. eccentricity
Noun
  • The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Since its inception, social media has been a proving ground for tween fashion and identity, offering under-16s a digital canvas to experiment with their style and form online cliques around niche interests.
    — Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • Honda's vehicles feature a distinct design language and identity that evolves without deviating from the brand's ethos.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of identity
Noun
  • Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of trait
Noun
  • The last decade has been an absolute whirlwind for the 38-year-old film school graduate, who could have never dreamed of the success he’s enjoyed as a YouTube personality with over 10 million subscribers (and counting).
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The result is a look that's fashion-forward and personality-filled, never overdone.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of personality
Noun
  • Three months later, the Supreme Court voted to allow immigration agents to stop people based on racial or ethnic characteristics while still-ongoing litigation against it proceeded.
    — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 1 July 2026
  • For example, the experienced representative knew from past cases that when the customer had three particular characteristics, the usual answer would be wrong.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of characteristic
Noun
  • This moon, however, mirrors the way the majority of the population is emotionally invested in themes of independence, individuality and the ideals surrounding the reinvention of society.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Androgynous haircuts focus on self-expression, individuality, and fluidity rather than traditional labels.
    — Genesis Rivas, InStyle, 1 July 2026
Definition of individuality
Noun
  • While Minetree delivers a charming performance, capturing Elle's bubbly optimism and mannerisms, the show largely fails to add meaningful depth and truly enrich one of pop culture's most enduring heroines.
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Instead, Nowell roots the band’s sound in the mid-’90s and keeps his vocal mannerisms as close to Bradley’s as possible.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 15 June 2026
Definition of mannerism
Noun
  • Director Craig Gillespie — whose impressive filmography has included I Tonya, Lars & The Real Girl, Pam & Tommy and Cruella — has proved to be a master at letting characters breathe in all their eccentricity.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 24 June 2026
  • The stylistic eccentricities have been dialed back, including the use of old Hollywood film clips to reflect the action and possibly the thoughts of its main character, a cinephile from space, who is both practicing and enacting the work of a private detective.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Definition of eccentricity

Browse Nearby Words

individual
individualism
individualisms
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Cite this Entry

“Individualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/individualism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on individualism

Nglish: Translation of individualism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about individualism

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