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colonialism Synonyms

Another word for colonialism

Choosing another word for colonialism depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Usage Example

"The historian's new book examines the lasting economic impacts of European imperialism in Africa and Asia."

Strongest
imperialism
Strong
expansionism
colonization
neocolonialism
hegemony
domination
subjugation

• noun (Context 2)

A linguistic feature, custom, or characteristic peculiar to a colony.

Usage Example

"Early dictionaries of American English often documented local colonialisms that had diverged from British usage."

Strong
provincialism
regionalism
localism

Opposites of colonialism

The opposite of colonialism shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

decolonization
self-determination
sovereignty
self-rule
independence
autonomy
See all opposites of colonialism

• Nearby Words

colon
colonelcy
colonial
colonialism
colonialist
colonially
colonic

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Colonialism. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/colonialism
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