fundamentalism

noun

fun·​da·​men·​tal·​ism ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce fundamentalism (audio)
1
a
often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching
b
: the beliefs of this movement
c
: adherence to such beliefs
a minister noted for his strict fundamentalism
2
: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles
Islamic fundamentalism
political fundamentalism
fundamentalist noun
fundamentalist adjective
or fundamentalistic

Examples of fundamentalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There, Rowling posts several times a day in support of gender fundamentalism to her 14 million-plus followers, frequently trading barbs with commenters—even fracturing her relationship with Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—while toasting her own personal successes. Matt Craig, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 In an interview with a German podcaster a year ago, Rushdie expressed surprise that young people on college campuses protesting on behalf of Palestinians were not being more circumspect about the fundamentalism and murderousness of Hamas, who started the current Gaza war. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 19 May 2025 The only thing Serena ever wanted more than a baby was a pulpit for her own fundamentalism. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 Marty did not consider violent fundamentalism the only possibility for religion in the modern age. Eboo Patel, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fundamentalism

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundamentalism was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Fundamentalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundamentalism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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