anarchism

noun

an·​ar·​chism ˈa-nər-ˌki-zəm How to pronounce anarchism (audio)
-ˌnär-
1
: a political theory holding all forms of governmental authority to be unnecessary and undesirable and advocating a society based on voluntary cooperation and free association of individuals and groups
2
: the advocacy or practice of anarchistic principles

Examples of anarchism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ideologies of antifa adherents are based on various left-wing causes, including communism, anarchism and socialism, while many also support environmentalism, the rights of indigenous populations and LGBTQ+ rights. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 And when liberalism seems weak and people are impatient for change, authoritarianism or anarchism can seem suitable alternatives to many. Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025 Today, it is considered a founding text of philosophical anarchism. Roy Scranton, The Conversation, 22 Aug. 2025 There’s a character who is an anarchist, and anarchism becomes a thread through the whole book. Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anarchism

Word History

Etymology

anarchy + -ism; as a political theory after French anarchisme

Note: See note at anarchist.

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anarchism was circa 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Anarchism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anarchism. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

anarchism

noun
an·​ar·​chism ˈan-ər-ˌkiz-əm How to pronounce anarchism (audio)
-ˌär-
: a political theory that government is not necessary
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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