populism

What is another word for populism? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — Populism is a political doctrine holding that a privileged elite takes advantage of ordinary people, and backs their fight to change that.

We haven't recorded synonyms for populism yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use populism

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

a wave of populism right-wing populism left-wing populism accuse someone of populism

It appears mainly in political and journalistic writing rather than everyday chat.

Populism comes from the Latin word populus, meaning people, combined with the English suffix -ism, which forms nouns naming doctrines or practices.

What does populism mean?

It is a political approach that claims to represent ordinary people against a privileged elite.

Is populism always used negatively?

Not always, but it is often used disapprovingly to suggest a politician is chasing popularity rather than sound policy.

Where does the word populism come from?

It comes from the Latin populus, meaning people, plus the suffix -ism.