POPULIST Synonyms: 8 Similar and Opposite Words

populist

noun

Definition of populist

as in socialist

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

snob
snoot

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 populist Villegas, a populist, is hoping his message of progressive change and growing voter frustration will put an end to that streak. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 This campaign may be the purest policy manifestation of a left-populist energy that has been on the rise for years, and has recently started to produce more electoral victories. — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 But the populist, anti-migrant party – which won big in England’s local elections earlier this year – clearly poses a threat to Burnham, particularly as anti-immigrant sentiments are bubbling to the surface in some parts of the country. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 Instead, his platform takes not-so-subtle digs at the populist often pictured with a pint of beer. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for populist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for populist

socialist

Noun

Locked in a tight re-election campaign against a democratic socialist, Smiley vetoed a rent control bill passed by the Providence City Council in April.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
There are also several democratic socialists running for Congress this election cycle.

— Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of socialist

Browse Nearby Words

populating

populist

populists

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of populist

noun

Example Sentences

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