as in hostility
tendency to extend power or control over others especially through the use of force
Violent conquer of other nations is one extreme form of imperialism.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imperialism
One definition of economic imperialism is a strong country using its power to exert control over the economic resources and policies of weaker ones.
—
John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2025
In Russia, the autocratic leader Vladimir Putin has embraced an ideology of nationalist imperialism, consolidating economic resources through state expansionism; Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has corroded the global norm against territorial conquest.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
As a socialist state (or so many believe) also victimized by Western imperialism, China is perceived by elements of the left as less malign than Israel, however terrible its human-rights abuses might be.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
Ramses, who is from Venezuela, is strongly against American imperialism.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imperialism 
John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2025
In Russia, the autocratic leader Vladimir Putin has embraced an ideology of nationalist imperialism, consolidating economic resources through state expansionism; Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has corroded the global norm against territorial conquest.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
As a socialist state (or so many believe) also victimized by Western imperialism, China is perceived by elements of the left as less malign than Israel, however terrible its human-rights abuses might be.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
Ramses, who is from Venezuela, is strongly against American imperialism.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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International pressure is growing as the United Nations urged both sides to prevent a resurgence of hostilities.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Soon, hundreds of thousands of Gazans would enter Israel daily for work, and Gaza's economy became tied to Israel's, but hostility persisted.—
Efrat Lachter,
Fox News,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The eight-member delegation consisting of U.S. national security and business leaders concluded their strategic visit to Taiwan last month amid the presidential transition in Washington, D.C., a new administration in Taipei and ongoing Chinese coercion and aggression in East Asia.—
Chris Massaro,
Fox News,
13 Feb. 2025
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Russia's escalation of its unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine threatens American interests and is solely the responsibility of Vladimir Putin.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While both its lampooning of U.S. militarism and its central character drama lack follow-through, the film contains bright comedic sparks in its keen observations about American media.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2025
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The Young Lords also fought against police brutality, U.S. imperialism and militarism.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC News,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Kavi Singh is a star of the genre known as Hindutva pop, a mixture of jingoism and danceable beats.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
2 Jan. 2025
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Populism is gaining strength in both countries, fanning the flames of jingoism.—
Yan Xuetong,
Foreign Affairs,
20 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near imperialism
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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