nationalistic

adjective

na·​tion·​al·​is·​tic ˌna-sh(ə-)nə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce nationalistic (audio)
1
: of, favoring, or characterized by nationalism
As increasingly nationalistic, authoritarian regimes in eastern Europe trampled on the rights of all minorities in the economically beleaguered 1930s, the ethnic German communities were easily tempted by National Socialism.Christopher R. Browning
His thinking also took a peculiarly nationalistic bent, emphasizing that Buddhism had declined in India and China in turn and that Japan was now the central land of the religion.Edwin O. Reischauer
2
: of or relating to a nation
The team split its schedule between the U.S. and Mexico for 17 of the next 18 seasons before cultural and nationalistic differences between players and officials … bubbled to the top.Kevin Baxter
nationalistically adverb

Examples of nationalistic in a Sentence

the political party's nationalistic ideology a nationalistic display of the country's flag at all civic events
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.
Chastened by the nationalistic fervor that accompanied the victory over Austria, the Diet capitulated. Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 Each depicts womanhood as representative of nationalistic ideals: America for an antebellum audience not yet open to slavery’s end; Lady Interbellum for a contemporary audience in another hostile moment. Shantay Robinson, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025 While Black Hawk Down was lauded by critics and won two Oscars, many took issue with the film's nationalistic approach, specifically its depiction of Somalis. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025 Instead it was held in the sterile surrounds of Dubai due to strict policy from the nationalistic Indian government that does not allow its sports teams to travel to Pakistan. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nationalistic

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nationalistic was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Nationalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nationalistic. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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