irrationalism

noun

ir·​ra·​tio·​nal·​ism i-ˈra-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce irrationalism (audio)
1
: a system emphasizing intuition, instinct, feeling, or faith rather than reason or holding that the universe is governed by irrational forces
2
: the quality or state of being irrational
irrationalist noun or adjective
irrationalistic adjective

Examples of irrationalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hitchens would have seen opposition to the coronavirus vaccine as another manifestation of destructive irrationalism. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Dec. 2021 This exercise forces you to succumb to the irrationalism of your silly heart. Mayukh Sen, Bon Appetit, 6 June 2018 My gut reaction is that these student mobbists manage to combine snowflake fragility and lynch mob irrationalism into one perfectly poisonous cocktail. Jay Willis, GQ, 9 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irrationalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irrationalism was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near irrationalism

Cite this Entry

“Irrationalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrationalism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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