anti-intellectualism

American  

[an-tee-in-tl-ek-choo-uh-liz-uhm, an-tahy‑] / ˌæn tiˌɪn tlˈɛk tʃu əˌlɪz əm, ˌæn taɪ‑ /

noun

1. opposition to or hostility toward intellectuals and the modern academic, artistic, social, religious, and other theories associated with them.

   These “denial” movements are manifestations of a growing anti-intellectualism arising against science and scientists.

2. the belief or doctrine that intellect and reason are less important than actions and emotions in solving practical problems and understanding reality.

   Much of the country’s cultural history reflects a swinging back and forth between collective action and a rugged individualism based on anti-intellectualism.

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Etymology

Origin of anti-intellectualism

anti- ( def. ) + intellectualism

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anti-intellectualism

With anti-intellectualism in comedy on the rise, he says his book club stands as an antidote to the manosphere.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

“I think there’s a rising tide of anti-intellectualism in this country, and it’s really hard to see because there’s nothing wrong with being educated and learning things,” she said.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 21, 2023

In the decades since the Vietnam memorial opened, Americans have become increasingly sophisticated in their anti-intellectualism, tenacious skeptics of ambiguity, adept at finding dark meaning in public art.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 16, 2022

As Richard Hofstadter remarked some 60 years ago, anti-intellectualism and paranoia are American traditions embedded in the national experience.

From Salon ● Jul. 31, 2022

Their indeterminism is indeed the necessary and logical accompaniment of their anti-intellectualism.

From Religion and Science From Galileo to Bergson by John Charlton Hardwick