textualism
Americannoun
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strict adherence to a text, especially of the Scriptures.
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Law. the doctrine that a legal document or statute should be interpreted by determining the relatively objective ordinary meaning of its words and phrases, without regard to historical context or legislative history.
Textualism holds, that when applying the law, the words of the Constitution itself are to be the final authority.
noun
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doctrinaire adherence to a text, esp of the Bible
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textual criticism, esp of the Bible
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of textualism
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.
The most valuable chapters in “So Ordered” treat the subjects of originalism and textualism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Justice Alito’s opinion is a classic exercise in textualism.
From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026
That seems odd: Scalia’s entire judicial career, promoting originalism and textualism for constraining judicial activism, stands in opposition to the judicial mindset pioneered in Griswold.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2025
Barely on the court for a year, the even-keeled Judge McAfee hews to textualism, a common judicial philosophy that follows the law as written rather than divining intent.
From New York Times ● Mar. 11, 2024
What’s wrong with textualism is that it purports to ignore altogether the question of what the legislature’s purpose was in enacting the law.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 8, 2024
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