opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌä-pər-ˈtü-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈtyü-
: the art, policy, or practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances often with little regard for principles or consequences
Examples of opportunism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From afar, the Zelensky government’s rush to embrace the incoming administration may look like sheer opportunism.
—
Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
To many onlookers, the party switch smacked of political opportunism.
—Allison Mashell Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
The excellent Francis — who like all four principals is reprising his role from London — finds an ideal balance between Joe’s cynical opportunism and his charm.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Trump’s wisdom comes from intuition and opportunism.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opportunism 
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.
Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
To many onlookers, the party switch smacked of political opportunism.
—Allison Mashell Mitchell / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
The excellent Francis — who like all four principals is reprising his role from London — finds an ideal balance between Joe’s cynical opportunism and his charm.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Trump’s wisdom comes from intuition and opportunism.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opportunism
Dictionary Entries Near opportunism
Cite this Entry
“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunism. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opportunism
noun
op·por·tun·ism
ˌäp-ər-ˈt(y)ü-ˌniz-əm
: the practice of taking advantage of opportunities or circumstances regardless of what one should do or what might happen
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share