radicalism

noun

rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈra-di-kə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
Synonyms of radicalismnext
1
: the quality or state of being radical
2
: the doctrines or principles of radicals

Examples of radicalism 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.
Throughout much of the Cold War, regional alliances held off both Soviet communism and Arab radicalism, which meant that the United States felt the need to intervene only rarely and briefly. — Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 Like the Fondation Cartier, PAC and the Shed package their radicalism in deluxe architectural confections. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 For those manufacturers, and for the neoliberals who appropriated Kahlo to sell free trade with Mexico, her life of political radicalism is left unmentioned. — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Many of the area’s neighborhoods are reliably progressive but not known for their radicalism. — Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for radicalism

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of radicalism was in 1817

Phrases Containing radicalism

Rhymes for radicalism

See All Rhymes for radicalism

Browse Nearby Words

radicalise
radicalism
radicality
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Cite this Entry

“Radicalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radicalism. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

radicalism

noun
rad·​i·​cal·​ism ˈrad-i-kə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce radicalism (audio)
: the quality or state of being radical

More from Merriam-Webster on radicalism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for radicalism

Nglish: Translation of radicalism for Spanish Speakers

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