socialism

Definition of socialismnext
as in liberalism
a way of organizing a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government rather than by individual people and companies an ardent opponent of socialism

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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 socialism The poll found that both younger and older Democrats have warmed slightly on socialism since 2010, but Democrats under age 50 are much less likely to view capitalism favorably. Steven Sloan, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The comparison between America and the Netherlands is therefore not simply about capitalism versus socialism. Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026 Hispanic Americans have, in many parts of the country, rejected socialism, including in South Florida, which is home to a large Cuban American population. James A. Downs, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2026 From escalating conflicts across the globe to renewed debates over socialism, government power and individual liberty, this special edition examines the defining issues shaping America’s future. Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for socialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for socialism
liberalism
Noun
  • The primary victory on Tuesday by another democratic socialist, Melat Kiros, for a Denver congressional seat suggested the trend may extend beyond Manhattan liberalism.
    Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Remember, the heroic symbols that Ronald Reagan deployed so effectively were swiped from liberalism’s salad days in the Thirties and Forties.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

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

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