tribalism

noun

trib·​al·​ism ˈtrī-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce tribalism (audio)
1
: tribal consciousness and loyalty
especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups
2
: strong in-group loyalty

Examples of tribalism in a Sentence

Tribalism within the group is strong. the corrupting influence of tribalism
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.
Nature, light, darkness, mundane rituals, violence, ambiguity, and evil, in such forms as death, tribalism, and xenophobia. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025 There is no point in acting like Liverpool fans should be above the traps of tribalism and self-aggrandisement that all football fans fall into. James Pearce, New York Times, 13 May 2025 In the game, this moment shows how deeply Ellie, Dina, and Joel have been transformed since players first picked up their consoles, kicking off an often-tragic story about the perils of tribalism and getting consumed by cycles of violence. Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025 Come for the paranoia and tribalism, stay for the gut-punch ending. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribalism

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribalism was in 1861

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tribalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribalism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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