extremism

[ik-stree-miz-uhm] / ɪkˈstri mɪz əm /

NOUN

fanaticism

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bigotry hatred intolerance zeal zealotry

STRONG

abandonment arbitrariness bias contumacy dedication devotion dogma enthusiasm faction frenzy immoderation infatuation injustice madness monomania obsessiveness obstinacy partiality partisanship passion prejudice rage single-mindedness stubbornness superstition tenacity transport unfairness unruliness violence willfulness

WEAK

incorrigibility unreasonableness

Antonyms

STRONG

apathy calmness dislike doubt fairness impartiality indifference irresolution justice peace peacefulness

WEAK

disinterest unenthusiasm

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.

While the intent may have been to show that extremism can hide in plain sight, the effect, critics of the stories argued, was normalization.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

“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

One morning we were discussing two topics: the influence of big money on football, and Islamist extremism.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“We’re at a pivotal point,” said Josh Roose, an associate professor of politics at Deakin University and an expert in violent extremism and terrorism.

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

Vocabulary lists containing extremism

President Biden's Inaugural Speech (January 2021)

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"Ideas Live On" by Benazir Bhutto (2007)

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“Address to the United Nations Youth Assembly” by Malala Yousafzai

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