isolationism

noun

iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

Examples of isolationism in a Sentence

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.
At a moment when nationalism and isolationism are rising in both Europe and the United States, the window that literature can provide into other cultures feels essential, Alfaro said. Alexandra Alter, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 Under Trump and with the resurgence of isolationism among Republicans—and with treaty ratification requiring two-thirds support in the Senate—their formal approval seems a very distant prospect. Jorge G. CastaÑeda, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025 The imperial Presidency: Designs on Greenland, promises to take back the Panama Canal, threats of tariffs on countries ranging from Colombia to Taiwan—how did a President who once pledged isolationism become so grasping? Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025 The second President Trump seems determined to expand those borders by swallowing up foreign territory, including a Middle East enclave in desperate need of nation-building, as America First isolationism gives way to a form of America First imperialism. Peter Baker, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolationism

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolationism was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Isolationism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolationism. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

isolationism

noun
iso·​la·​tion·​ism ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce isolationism (audio)
: a national policy of avoiding international political and economic relations
isolationist noun or adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on isolationism

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