expansionism

noun

ex·​pan·​sion·​ism ik-ˈspan(t)-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce expansionism (audio)
: a policy or practice of expansion and especially of territorial expansion by a nation
expansionist noun
expansionist adjective
or less commonly expansionistic

Examples of expansionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Now, Japan has a volunteer self-defense force which trains like a military, but only has the legal ability to protect Japan, not to engage in expansionism or defend other countries outside of its borders. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The significance of this location extends far beyond westward expansionism, however: In 1876, Fort Carlton was the site of the signing of Treaty 6, the historical agreement between the Government of Canada and several First Nations, including the Plains and Woods Cree. Debbie Olsen, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025 Modern economists attribute the Panic to the business cycle and reckless monetary expansionism. Made By History, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 The Baltic States, which Moscow controlled in Soviet times, have said that Russian President does not intend to stop his expansionism in Ukraine. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expansionism

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expansionism was in 1899

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Cite this Entry

“Expansionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expansionism. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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