neocolonialism

noun

neo·​co·​lo·​nial·​ism ˌnē-ō-kə-ˈlōn-yə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce neocolonialism (audio)
-ˈlō-nē-ə-ˌli-
: the economic and political policies by which a great power indirectly maintains or extends its influence over other areas or people
… wary opponents of neocolonialism are scrupulous about keeping their nonaligned credentials intact.— The Economist
neocolonial
ˌnē-ō-kə-ˈlōn-yəl How to pronounce neocolonialism (audio)
-ˈlō-nē-əl
adjective
neocolonialist
ˌnē-ō-kə-ˈlōn-yə-list How to pronounce neocolonialism (audio)
-ˈlō-nē-ə-list
noun or adjective

Examples of neocolonialism 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.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the dictatorships and the many ways in which neocolonialism and the setting up of a power structure that still oppresses Africans is happening at the moment. — Sean Illing, Vox, 6 July 2024 Part of what makes neocolonialism so intractable is that, as a state fails, more neocolonialism becomes the only imaginable cure for the ills created by it in the first place. — Marlene L. Daut, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

neo- + colonialism

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neocolonialism was in 1947

Rhymes for neocolonialism

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Browse Nearby Words

neoclassical Arabic
neocolonialism
Neocomian
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Cite this Entry

“Neocolonialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neocolonialism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on neocolonialism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neocolonialism

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