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Synonyms

extremism

American  
[ik-stree-miz-uhm] / ɪkˈstri mɪz əm /

noun

  1. a tendency or disposition to go to extremes or an instance of going to extremes, especially in political matters.

    leftist extremism; the extremism of the Nazis.

Etymology

Origin of extremism

First recorded in 1860–65; extreme + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“One Battle After Another” is a satirical action-thriller with an intense and timely exploration of American extremism that stars DiCaprio as a retired revolutionary forced back into action.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Two-thirds referenced themes such as radical Islam, Sharia law, extremism or terrorism.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Politically they cluster around the middle and dislike extremism and overreach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Its aim, the acting president said, is to "heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism".

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

“We will defeat the forces of extremism and militancy with the power of the people,” she declared.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.