white supremacy
noun
1
: the belief that the white race is inherently superior to other races and that white people should have control over people of other races
The alt-right is a reactionary conservative movement. … It is characterized by an embrace of fascism, white supremacy, and misogyny …—Constance Grady
2
: the social, economic, and political systems that collectively enable white people to maintain power over people of other races
… [William] Kelley turned his considerable intellect and imagination to the question of what it is like to be white in this country, and what it is like, for all Americans, to live under the conditions of white supremacy …—Kathryn Schulz
Cite this Entry
“White supremacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20supremacy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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