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

• Keynesianism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Keynesian

First recorded in 1935–40; Keynes + -ian

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Keynesian

After a discussion of Keynesian prescriptions for preventing depression in the 1940s, he sent me to George Terborgh, an obscure economist with a contrarian and bullish view on American potential.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

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

The CEA was created by the Employment Act of 1946 with a Keynesian heritage and an expectation that it would give advice about the use of fiscal policy to achieve and maintain full employment.

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