socialist

noun

so·​cial·​ist ˈsō-sh(ə-)list How to pronounce socialist (audio)
Synonyms of socialistnext
1
: one who advocates or practices socialism
2
Socialist : a member of a party or political group advocating socialism
socialist adjective
often Socialist
socialistic
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adjective
socialistically
ˌsō-shə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce socialist (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of socialist

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Examples of socialist in a Sentence

a lifelong socialist who never lost faith in his cause
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.
Socialists call themselves crazy and that’s a campaign talking point. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Moderate Democrat David Crowley will win his party's primary for Wisconsin governor, CBS News projects, in a narrow, upset victory over Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who was widely viewed as a frontrunner in the race. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Wisconsin voters narrowly rejected a democratic socialist but still chose a 40-year-old county executive who is seeking to become the state’s first Black governor. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 The development comes as Crowley, a more centrist politician, was viewed by mainstream Democrats as a safer bet than Hong, a staunch socialist, to beat Tiffany in the tight race. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for socialist

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of socialist was in 1822

Phrases Containing socialist

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Socialist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialist. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on socialist

Nglish: Translation of socialist for Spanish Speakers

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