survivalism

noun

sur·​viv·​al·​ism sər-ˈvī-və-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce survivalism (audio)
: an attitude, policy, or practice based on the primacy of survival as a value

Examples of survivalism in a Sentence

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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.
For a film about the claustrophobic survivalism endemic to deep-sea diving, Last Breath is oddly relaxed, a movie whose tension seems just as lost underwater as its subject. — Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025 The film was a massive success and spawned four explosive sequels, but the original film's themes of action, survivalism and compassion, enhanced by Stallone's nuanced performance, make First Blood the first choice in Rambo flicks. — Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of survivalism was in 1928

Rhymes for survivalism

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Browse Nearby Words

survival instinct
survivalism
survivalist
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Cite this Entry

“Survivalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survivalism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about survivalism

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