EXTREMISM Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

extremism

noun

Definition of extremism

as in excessiveness

belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable political extremism

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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 extremism Throughout these years, the seeds of extremism that would forcefully erupt on January 6, 2021, were germinating. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 The indictment became a rallying point to discredit not only the SPLC but the wider body of research on hate groups and political extremism. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 Moskowitz has made confronting antisemitism and political extremism a central part of his work in Congress. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 New South Wales separately passed tighter state firearms laws in December, while the federal government also strengthened laws targeting hate speech and extremism. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extremism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for extremism

Noun

This excessiveness can hinder critical knowledge building because of the sheer amount of information that can be accessed simultaneously at any time.

— Carmen Daniela Maier, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Definition of excessiveness

Noun

In developing a multitool to slide neatly into its latest generation of EDC offerings, The James Brand took time to reflect upon which tools were absolutely necessary for its customers and which ones could be eliminated to cut bulk and excess.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
If your body has an excess of water-soluble vitamins, the kidneys will not reabsorb them.

— Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of excess

Noun

Or Pablo Picasso, goaded into radicalism by the latest bizarre creations of Matisse, retreating to the Spanish mountain village of Gósol and, mere months later, beginning work on his proto-cubist masterpiece, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

— Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
But Fosdick’s real radicalism lay in his insistence that Scripture was not static or inerrant but needed to be read in the context of an evolving culture and country.

— Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of radicalism

Noun

In other words, emotion, empathy and irrationality could be seen as some of the most powerful counterweights to AI.

— Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
This is where the irrationality of antisemitic conspiracy gains no purchase among a reasoning and pragmatic populace; where government is led by people who grasp, and embrace, the seriousness of their responsibilities.

— Rory Lancman, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of irrationality

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extremes

extremism

extremist

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“Extremism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extremism. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of extremism

noun

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