nationalism

noun

ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce nationalism (audio)
Definition of nationalismnext
1
as in patriotism
excessive favoritism towards one's own country Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I

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2
as in devotion
love and support for one's country American nationalism is often most visible during Fourth of July celebrations

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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 nationalism Ahmed is heartened by the pushback against Hindu nationalism in recent years from progressive Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Dalits, members of the former untouchable caste in India who have historically faced discrimination. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 The national conservatives embrace Christian nationalism and seek to bulwark the homogeneous nation-state from threats from liberalism. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 But the militias and their ideology endured, metastasizing into groups—including Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, and Proud Boys—that would become woven into the fabric of today’s MAGA Christian nationalism. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 This perception of threat was lower only among respondents who both strongly rejected Christian nationalism and embraced anti-Christian nationalism. — Paul Djupe, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nationalism
patriotism
Noun
  • The obligatory weekly hour-long class was introduced in September 2022 to promote the Kremlin’s views on patriotism and Russian history including the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Fans from all over the world had the ability to experience the beauty of the United States of America through our unique culture, landscape, patriotism, hospitality and more.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of patriotism

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national guards
nationalism
nationalist
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Cite this Entry

“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalism. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nationalism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nationalism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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