Nationalism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm/ na·tion·al·ism

Meaning & Definition of Nationalism

Nationalism (noun)

  1. an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups
  2. support for and promotion of the political independence or self-determination of a nation or people
  3. a nationalist movement or government

Nationalism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. excessive favoritism towards one's own country

    "Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I"

    similar: chauvinism, jingoism, superpatriotism
    related: loyalty, patriotism, nativism, xenophobia
    near: cosmopolitanism, globalism, internationalism

  2. love and support for one's country

    "American nationalism is often most visible during Fourth of July celebrations"

    similar: patriotism
    related: chauvinism, jingoism, allegiance, constancy, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, loyalty, staunchness, steadfastness, fervency, fervidness, passion
    near: desertion, treason, disaffection, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, fickleness, inconstancy, perfidiousness, treachery, unfaithfulness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nationalism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nationalism:

chauvinism, jingoism, superpatriotism, patriotism

Related Words for Nationalism

loyalty, nativism, xenophobia, allegiance, constancy, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, staunchness, steadfastness, fervency, fervidness, passion

Near Antonyms of Nationalism

cosmopolitanism, globalism, internationalism, desertion, treason, disaffection, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, fickleness, inconstancy, perfidiousness, treachery, unfaithfulness

Word Forms of Nationalism

Inflections: nationalisms

Origin & Etymology of Nationalism

First known use: 1798

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Nationalism

  • Topics: Law, Politics & Society

Words & Phrases Containing Nationalism

Christian nationalism, economic nationalism, supranationalism

Frequently Asked Questions about Nationalism

What does "Nationalism" mean?

"Nationalism" means an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups. As a noun, it is defined as: an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nationalism"?

Other words for "Nationalism" include chauvinism, jingoism, superpatriotism and patriotism. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nationalism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nationalism"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nationalism". Common alternatives include chauvinism, jingoism, superpatriotism and patriotism.

How do you use "Nationalism" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nationalism" in a sentence: "Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I"; "American nationalism is often most visible during Fourth of July celebrations".

Is "Nationalism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nationalism" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Nationalism"?

"Nationalism" is pronounced /ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm/ and divided into syllables as na·tion·al·ism.

What is the origin of the word "Nationalism"?

First known use: 1798.

What is another word for "Nationalism" meaning "excessive favoritism towards one's own country"?

When "Nationalism" (noun) means excessive favoritism towards one's own country, synonyms include chauvinism, jingoism and superpatriotism.