nationalism

noun

ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce nationalism (audio)
Definition of nationalismnext
1
as in patriotism
excessive favoritism towards one's own country Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I

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2
as in devotion
love and support for one's country American nationalism is often most visible during Fourth of July celebrations

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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 nationalism What readers are saying The conversation explores concerns about the imposition of religious laws, particularly focusing on the fear of Sharia law and Christian nationalism in the United States. — Asifa Quraishi-Landes, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Furani deemed the current state of affairs a natural consequence of Zionist nationalism, and invited Walzer to flee the sinking ship of Zionism and board the ark of Islam and Palestinian liberation. — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 Tanner said white nationalism is the idea that white people are the core of an independent nation, seeking to ensure white control of its social, economic, political and cultural institutions. — Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 Coupled with sweeping tariffs on the entire world, many were concerned that nationalism may result in America ending up alone. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nationalism
patriotism
Noun
  • Decisions to reopen were ones of bravery, solidarity, and patriotism.
    — Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Amid the backlash, the White House has defended the television spots as public service announcements meant to educate voters and promote patriotism.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of patriotism

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national guards
nationalism
nationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalism. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nationalism

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