expansionism

noun

ex·​pan·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌni-zəm 

: a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation

expansionist

ik-ˈspan(t)-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

expansionist adjective

or less commonly expansionistic

ik-ˌspan(t)-shə-ˈni-stik 

Examples of expansionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even so, his newfound taste for territorial expansionism is unparalleled in the modern era. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

In Russia, the autocratic leader Vladimir Putin has embraced an ideology of nationalist imperialism, consolidating economic resources through state expansionism; Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has corroded the global norm against territorial conquest. —Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025

The conflict between Trump and Zelensky escalated into a war of words between the two that scared European allies who are worried about emboldening Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and rewarding his brutal expansionism. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025

Israel must end its regional expansionism under the guise of establishing security. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for expansionism

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