nationalist
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for nationalist, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who strongly supports nationalism, especially the independence or interests of their own nation.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use nationalist
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "national" plus the agent-forming suffix "-ist," meaning someone who follows or believes in it.
Full origin of nationalist →Frequently asked questions
What does “nationalist” mean?
The word “nationalist” means a person who strongly supports nationalism, especially the independence or interests of their own nation. In plain terms, someone (or something) that pushes strongly for national identity, independence, or interests.
How do you pronounce “nationalist”?
“Nationalist” is pronounced NASH-uh-nuh-lihst (/ˈnæʃ.ə.nə.lɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “nationalist” in a sentence?
Here is “nationalist” used in a sentence: “The nationalist party won a surprising number of seats in the election.”
What is the opposite of “nationalist”?
The opposite of “nationalist” — its antonyms — are globalist and antinational.
What part of speech is “nationalist”?
Depending on how it is used, “nationalist” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “nationalist” a common word?
“Nationalist” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “nationalist” have?
“Nationalist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who strongly supports nationalism, especially the independence or interests of their own nation.
What is the difference between a nationalist and a patriot?
A "patriot" feels love and pride for their country. A "nationalist" goes further, strongly promoting the interests, independence, or superiority of their own nation, sometimes above those of other nations. The two overlap, but "nationalist" places more emphasis on the nation's standing relative to others.
Is nationalist a positive or negative term?
It depends on context. "Nationalist" can be neutral or positive when it describes support for a nation's independence, as in an independence movement. It can be negative when it suggests hostility toward other nations or ethnic groups.
What is the difference between a nationalist and a globalist?
A "nationalist" prioritizes the interests and independence of their own nation. A "globalist" favours international cooperation and integration across national borders. The two terms are often used as opposites.
What is the difference between a nationalist and a populist?
A "nationalist" focuses on the interests and identity of a particular nation. A "populist" appeals to ordinary people against established elites, regardless of nation. A political figure can be one, the other, or both.