extremism

noun

ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: advocacy of extreme measures or views : radicalism
extremist noun or adjective

Examples of extremism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The people who study social media, elections, and extremism repeatedly told me that platforms should be doing more to prevent violence. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2024 Right-wing extremism is on the rise here and in Europe. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 Navalny was serving multiple prison sentences for various charges, including extremism and contempt of court. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 In the following months, Navalny was charged with various crimes — including embezzlement, fraud and extremism — and had been serving a long sentence in prison at the time of his apparent death. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Indonesia, the world’s largest majority-Muslim country with 280 million people, plays a vital role in confronting global challenges, from religious extremism to climate change. Winda Charmila, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Social media posts have the potential to spread extremism and election disinformation, but taking down controversial views can silence discussion of important political issues. Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024 Navalny was promptly jailed on charges of extremism and embezzlement. Anna Nemtsova, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2024 Navalny was serving multiple prison sentences, including a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism that his supporters widely view as politically motivated. James Farrell, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'extremism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of extremism was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near extremism

Cite this Entry

“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

extremism

noun
ex·​trem·​ism ik-ˈstrē-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce extremism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being extreme
2
: belief in and support for extreme ideas especially in politics
extremist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on extremism

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