A nationalist is someone who strongly identifies with their nation and places its interests, culture, and values above those of others. Nationalists often advocate for the sovereignty, independence, and unity of their country, sometimes emphasizing the importance of protecting its traditions and heritage. While nationalism can inspire pride and cohesion among citizens, it can also lead to exclusionary attitudes or conflicts when taken to extremes. The term can refer to individuals or movements that champion national self-determination or resist external control. Nationalist can be used in various contexts, from historical struggles for independence to contemporary political ideologies. While some view nationalism as a force for unity and self-respect, others criticize it for fostering division or hostility toward outsiders. The term carries both positive and negative connotations, depending on its application and the intensity of the sentiments it inspires.
Sample Sentences
- The nationalist movement sought independence from colonial rule.
- He was a passionate nationalist, always advocating for his country’s interests on the global stage.
- The nationalist sentiment grew stronger as the people rallied against foreign interference.
- Critics argued that the nationalist agenda was isolating the country from its neighbors.
- She identified as a nationalist because of her deep pride in her country’s cultural heritage.
- The nationalist leader called for policies that prioritized domestic industries over imports.
- Some viewed the nationalist rhetoric as empowering, while others found it divisive.
- The nationalist uprising in the 19th century reshaped the borders of several European countries.
- His nationalist beliefs led him to oppose any international agreements that he felt undermined sovereignty.
- The nationalist party won the election on a platform of restoring traditional values and economic independence.
Synonyms for “Nationalist”
- Patriot
- Loyalist
- Sovereigntist
- Countryman
- Flag-waver
- Chauvinist
- Nativist
- Traditionalist
- Protectionist
- Federalist (in certain contexts)
Antonyms for “Nationalist”
- Globalist
- Internationalist
- Cosmopolitan
- Multilateralist
- Federalist (in contexts of favoring a union over individual national sovereignty)
- Pacifist (in opposition to militant nationalism)
- Universalist
- Integrationist
- Regionalist (in opposition to national unity)
- Separatist (in contexts opposing unified nationalism)
Related Words and Expressions
Related Words:
- Nationalism
- Patriotism
- Sovereignty
- Autonomy
- Independence
- Jingoism
- Nativism
- Self-determination
- Tribalism
- Exceptionalism
Phrasal Verbs:
- Stand up for (to defend or support a nation’s interests)
- Rally around (to unify support for a national cause)
- Push back against (to resist foreign or external control)
- Hold on to (to preserve national traditions or values)
- Break away from (to seek independence from a larger political entity)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Wave the flag (to show patriotism or nationalism)
- My country, right or wrong (an expression of unwavering loyalty to one’s nation)
- Red, white, and blue (a term symbolizing nationalism, especially in the United States)
- For king and country (used historically to denote loyalty and national service)
- Put the nation first (a principle of prioritizing national interests above others).
