radicalism

noun

rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈra-di-kə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being radical
2
: the doctrines or principles of radicals

Examples of radicalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nonetheless, in a divided time, King Hancock is a necessary reminder of restraint as a response to radicalism and of compromise as an antidote to polarization. Guy Denton, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024 In many quarters, youthful radicalism has given way to unexpected pragmatism, a yearning for prosperity and a steady hand, and an inclination to overlook or at least mute outrage over any number of scandals that have dogged Mr. Mitsotakis. Niki Kitsantonis, New York Times, 24 June 2023 But King, despite the increasing radicalism of his final years, remains a safer option, widely embraced or at least quoted by people of varying political persuasions. Chris Vognar, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 The underappreciated Founding Father answered radicalism with restraint, polarization with compromise. Guy Denton, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024 Her thesis is that Hancock was a political moderate who shaped the American Founding by balancing radicalism with restraint — a notion germane to our own age of extreme polarization. Guy Denton, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024 The radicalism is gone and the message is clear: Fall was a season about safe, by-the-book masculine codes. José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2024 Beckmann gathers all the modern furies — hunger, radicalism, violence — in taut, frenetic scenes of street clashes, assassination, poverty and the mania of desire and consumption that act as temporary escapes. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023 Among onetime admirers, the most generous interpretation for Brand’s political transformation is bleak but straightforward: Today’s version of him is the logical upshot of social media incentives, boundless ego and a bespoke personal radicalism that was always a little ominously amorphous. Matt Flegenheimer, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'radicalism.' 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

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of radicalism was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near radicalism

Cite this Entry

“Radicalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radicalism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

radicalism

noun
rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈrad-i-kə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
: the quality or state of being radical
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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