socialist

noun

so·​cial·​ist ˈsō-sh(ə-)list How to pronounce socialist (audio)
Synonyms of socialistnext
1
: one who advocates or practices socialism
2
Socialist : a member of a party or political group advocating socialism
socialist adjective
often Socialist
socialistic
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adjective
socialistically
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of socialist

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Examples of socialist in a Sentence

a lifelong socialist who never lost faith in his cause
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
An unstoppable wave of democratic socialists is standing up for the working class and winning because of their principled stances — not despite them. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Socialists have found a new footing in the party, with younger and more left-wing insurgents ousting older establishment figures to demand generational and ideological change. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 Ideological fractures linger among Democrats Some Democratic officials worry that the rise of democratic socialists within the party presents a political problem for candidates in swing districts. — Steve Peoples, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 That’s in line with an electorate that recently chose Kiros, a democratic socialist, as the Democratic nominee for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. — Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for socialist

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of socialist was in 1822

Phrases Containing socialist

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Socialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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