activism

noun

ac·​tiv·​ism ˈak-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce activism (audio)
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue
political activism
environmental activism

Examples of activism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The cinema-verite trailblazer Kopple, who just turned 80, completes her trilogy about labor activism that began 50 years ago with Harlan Country, USA by looking at a trio of union-organizing drives against Jeff Bezos’ Amazon in her native New York. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Kennedy, who has a history of anti-vaccine activism, altered the childhood immunization schedule in January to recommend fewer universal shots to all children. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026 This league has now somehow morphed into something that feels like activism on display. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Cunningham said the activism following the Fever has not been a distraction. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for activism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Aktivismus, from aktiv active entry 1 + -ismus -ism

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of activism was in 1915

Rhymes for activism

See All Rhymes for activism

Browse Nearby Words

activewear
activism
activist
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Cite this Entry

“Activism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/activism. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on activism

Nglish: Translation of activism for Spanish Speakers

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