survivalist

noun

sur·​viv·​al·​ist sər-ˈvī-və-list How to pronounce survivalist (audio)
: a person who advocates or practices survivalism
especially : one who has prepared to survive in the anarchy of an anticipated breakdown of society
survivalist adjective

Examples of survivalist 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.
Why does one family send two knives to their survivalist, thus depriving another of a knife? Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025 Sure, some of their viewers are outdoorsy, but the shows aren’t just made for survivalists any more than shows about serial killers are made for, well, other serial killers. Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 10 Feb. 2025 Whannell’s fourth directorial outing begins during Blake’s childhood in 1995, as his survivalist father (Sam Jaeger) raises him in soldierly fashion. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025 Every aspect is generously suffused with the kind of over-the-top bravado that survivalists, explorers, and Mad Max fans alike would enjoy. New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for survivalist

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of survivalist was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Survivalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survivalist. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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