protectionist

noun

pro·​tec·​tion·​ist prə-ˈtek-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce protectionist (audio)
: an advocate of government economic protection for domestic producers through restrictions on foreign competitors
protectionism noun
protectionist adjective

Examples of protectionist 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.
Was Lutnick more in the camp of a free trader like Milton Friedman or a protectionist like Donald Trump? Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 In short, this week begins a multi-week process in which leaders of the biggest and most important companies in the U.S. tell the country and the world just how seismic these drastic protectionist policies are for their businesses. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 The laws of economics bend for no political movement, and the higher prices that inevitably result from tariffs will make clear to voters how badly the protectionists have misled them. David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025 Trump has long argued that protectionist trade policies are the only way to preserve and grow American factory jobs. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for protectionist

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectionist was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Protectionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectionist. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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