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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

Critics sought to link his tattoos of symbols from the Crusades with far-right extremism.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Since then, Australia has tightened laws aimed at fighting extremism as well as gun-control rules.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

I was slightly giddy with the force of his personality but the extremism of the offer was appealing as well.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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.