Keynesian

American  

[keyn-zee-uhn] / ˈkeɪn zi ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the economic theories, doctrines, or policies of Keynes or his followers, especially the policy of maintaining high employment and controlling inflation by varying the interest rates, tax rates, and public expenditure.

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noun

1. a person who maintains or supports the theories, doctrines, or policies of Keynes.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Keynesianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Keynesian

First recorded in 1935–40; Keynes + -ian

Example Sentences

And while emotions run hot, and headlines scream loudly, investors would do well to consider their own Keynesian “vibe check” before reacting to what’s happening in their portfolios.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

“The dominant economic assumption for really the entire post-World War II era has been that Keynesian macroeconomic management can tame the uncertainties and extremes of the economy,” Reich said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2024

Keynesian economics is largely focused on demand, changes in which, it posits, cause the business cycle to fluctuate.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2022

Tobin was one the most important Keynesian economists of the late 20th century, helping to establish the empirical basis for government interventions in the economy.

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2021

Note that Samuelson coined the phrase �neoclassical synthesis� for �his� conceptual integration of classical processes at the micro level and Keynesian processes at the macro level.

From Definition & Reality in the General Theory of Political Economy by Colignatus, Thomas