pure democracy

Definition of pure democracynext

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 pure democracy In their rankings, 100 is a pure democracy and zero indicates a dictatorship. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025 Though hardly a pure democracy — a hereditary emir wields decisive authority — Kuwait has an independent and democratically elected 50-member National Assembly, whose powers are limited but real. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 June 2024 The thinking was, however, that the slow and deliberative process for enacting legislation in the new nation’s representative democracy — rather than pure democracy — would help dilute the impact of such factions. Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2024 Many political scientists don’t consider Turkey a pure democracy, largely because of the tremendous power exercised by the president and his ability to shape the political playing field before the vote. Ben Hubbard, BostonGlobe.com, 15 May 2023 The founders did not design the United States to be a pure democracy. David Leonhardt, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2022 Some suspicion of pure democracy is essential to conservatism. Ross Douthat New York Times, Star Tribune, 16 Mar. 2021 Since pure democracy and genuine authenticity are conditions that can only be reached for, never fully achieved, this was a formula for lifelong commitment. Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure democracy
Noun
  • Americans' confidence in the court system and democracy has dipped in recent years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Voters have already handed a good chunk of democracy itself over to nationalist, religious and ideological fascism.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • This swept away Iran’s monarchy and birthed a state that is part theocracy, part republic, with a handful of semi-democratic institutions swaddled by a system that is ultimately clerical.
    Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • On America’s 250th, the president has elevated some important debates about the mechanics of running a self-governing republic.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pure democracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure%20democracy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!