1
as in patriotism
excessive favoritism towards one's own country
Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devotion
love and support for one's country
American nationalism is often most visible during Fourth of July celebrations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of nationalism
Right now, the transnational movement of illiberal nationalism is more organized, united, and strategic in its collective actions than the liberal democratic movement.
—
Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Hollywood has never been shy about mixing brash nationalism with over-the-top violence, a tendency best displayed in The Patriot when Mel Gibson rallies the Continental Army troops by waving a Betsy Ross flag, then uses that same flag to gore Jason Isaacs’s horse.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Another accused the owner of leaning into nationalism for profit.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
As the specter of nationalism turns people insular and towards their flags, some raise no flags yet raise transactions that can break this trend and tap into a global network of peer-to-peer support.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Michael McFaul, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2025
Hollywood has never been shy about mixing brash nationalism with over-the-top violence, a tendency best displayed in The Patriot when Mel Gibson rallies the Continental Army troops by waving a Betsy Ross flag, then uses that same flag to gore Jason Isaacs’s horse.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
Another accused the owner of leaning into nationalism for profit.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
As the specter of nationalism turns people insular and towards their flags, some raise no flags yet raise transactions that can break this trend and tap into a global network of peer-to-peer support.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nationalism
Cite this Entry
“Nationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nationalism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share