traditionalism

noun

tra·​di·​tion·​al·​ism trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce traditionalism (audio)
1
: adherence to the doctrines or practices of a tradition
2
: the beliefs of those opposed to modernism, liberalism, progressivism, or radicalism
traditionalist noun
plural traditionalists
traditionalist adjective
traditionalistic adjective

Examples of traditionalism in a Sentence

a staunch supporter of grammatical traditionalism, my English teacher didn't care what the experts in linguistics said
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.
But Beautiful offsets its delightful oddities with jibing pop traditionalism. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 June 2025 This new, more favorable vision of Russia was developing its own intellectual architecture, one that married isolationism, nationalism and traditionalism with a growing appreciation for autocratic strongmen who were bending their countries to their will. Eric Jason Martin Tanya Pérez Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Gone were the regal ceremony and traditionalism, replaced by a humility intended to imitate Christ’s poverty. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 Throughout his papacy, his critics often accused him of doing too little, too slowly, and of wrapping traditionalism in softer language without confronting its core inequalities. Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for traditionalism

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditionalism was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Traditionalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditionalism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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