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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Recent Examples of imperialism
The legacy of Japanese imperialism has been profound and enduring.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
In most academic histories of European imperialism written in this century, the Europeans are the barbarians, killing and raping and looting on an unprecedented scale.
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
And last month, at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech openly celebrating Western imperialism.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Beginning with European imperialism in the late 18th century and technically concluding with Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, this series is a great survey for those looking to understand Iran in regional context.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
In most academic histories of European imperialism written in this century, the Europeans are the barbarians, killing and raping and looting on an unprecedented scale.
—David A. Bell, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
And last month, at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech openly celebrating Western imperialism.
—Jonathan Zimmerman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026
Beginning with European imperialism in the late 18th century and technically concluding with Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, this series is a great survey for those looking to understand Iran in regional context.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperialism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperialism
Noun
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But the chancellor struggled to imagine how such an end of hostilities could be reached that would satisfy the White House.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
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The hostility to literature felt by some of the architects of the Red Scare is well established.—
Charlie Tyson,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For her, this was practically homicidal aggression.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
Race, bad bosses and the fly-on-the-wall fun of watching office politics and micro-aggressions play out makes this workplace suspense novel a total page-turner (as well as a binge-worthy limited television series).—
Laura Zigman,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Noun
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His work often serves as commentary on polarizing issues, including migration, militarism, politics and capitalism.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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Moreover, in conflict and humanitarian situations, violence against LGBTQ+ people shares some key root causes driving violence against women and girls, such as restrictive gender norms and militarism.—
Jenna Norosky,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This was an era of over-the-top displays of patriotism and even jingoism; the phrase Let’s make America great again was in.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
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Tapping into national pride — dare say jingoism — might have done the trick.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some Trump-boosting podcasters and influencers cheered the FCC’s aggressiveness on Tuesday.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
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Not long into his second term, Bush sat uncomfortably as Stephen Colbert, then a Comedy Central host, hammered him with an aggressiveness unusual for the dinner.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperialism. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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