commercialism

noun

com·​mer·​cial·​ism kə-ˈmər-shə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: commercial spirit, institutions, or methods

2

: excessive emphasis on profit

commercialist

kə-ˈmər-sh(ə-)list 

noun

commercialistic

kə-ˌmər-shə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of commercialism in a Sentence

the commercialism of modern society

the increasing commercialism of the Christmas holiday

Recent Examples on the Web

This is an age of television contracts and commercialism and Musiala, less an outstanding player more a uniquely special one, is invaluable within that context. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson, the comedic geniuses behind Detroiters, a sitcom about an underdog advertising firm, have finally made it to the pinnacle of American commercialism: the Super Bowl. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2025

Jennifer Glen, General Manager at Americas ad Squad, said the Puppy Bowl’s altruistic element also offers a nice contrast to the Super Bowl’s commercialism. —Kevin Williams, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2025

Contemplating the impact of commercialism on art is something people have been doing for a really long time. —Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for commercialism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism