Extremist: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who holds extreme political or religious views, often willing to go to great lengths or use extreme methods to achieve their goals. The term can have a negative connotation.

• The group was labeled as terrorists for their extremist actions.
• Their extremist beliefs led to violent protests.

Describes someone who advocates for complete political or social reform, often using unconventional or extreme methods. It can be used in both negative and positive contexts depending on the perspective.

• The radical proposed a new system of governance.
• Her radical ideas changed the way we think about education.

Refers to someone with excessive enthusiasm or intense, uncritical devotion to a cause or belief. Can be applied in various contexts such as religion, sports, or hobbies. It often has a negative connotation.

• He's a sports fanatic, never missing a single game.
• The fanatic refused to listen to any opposing views.

Used to describe a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideological, religious, or political beliefs. The term carries a negative connotation.

• The zealot was unwilling to consider any alternatives to his plan.
• Historically, zealots have often been involved in violent movements.

Used to describe someone who holds extreme political or religious views that are far removed from the average perspective. Often carries negative connotations.

• The extremist group was responsible for the attack on the embassy
• His extremist views make him a controversial figure

Describes someone who strictly adheres to the basic principles of a religion or ideology, often interpreted in a traditionalist and literal manner. Commonly applied in a religious context.

• The fundamentalist preacher insisted on adhering to the original texts without any modern interpretations
• Her fundamentalist beliefs make her prioritize religious texts over contemporary issues

Describes someone or something that is devoted to a particular sect, often in a way that leads to conflict or discrimination against others. Usually has negative connotations related to division and conflict.

• The sectarian violence between the two religious communities has been ongoing for decades
• His sectarian comments caused a lot of tension within the group

Refers to someone who is aggressive and active in a cause, often willing to use force or confrontational methods. Can be used in both positive and negative senses depending on the perspective of the speaker.

• The militant group planned the protest to draw attention to their cause
• His militant stance on environmental issues has led to several arrests

Use 'extremist' to describe a person or group that holds extreme political or religious views and is often willing to take extreme actions to uphold those views. This term typically has a negative connotation.

• The authorities detained a group of extremists planning a violent protest.
• He was labeled an extremist because of his aggressive and uncompromising stance on environmental issues.

Use 'radical' to describe someone or something looking for complete or significant change, often in a political or social context. While not always negative, it can imply extremist views or actions.

• The group's radical ideas sparked a lot of debates and controversy.
• She proposed a radical shift in the company's strategy to improve performance.

Use 'fanatical' to describe an individual who is excessively enthusiastic or zealous about a particular cause, topic, or activity. This often implies irrationality or obsession and generally carries a negative connotation.

• He was fanatical about his fitness regime, spending hours in the gym every day.
• The fanatical supporters were willing to do anything to see their team win.

Use 'extreme' to describe something that is farthest in any direction, especially farthest from moderate or average. It can refer to conditions, opinions, actions, or feelings.

• The weather conditions were extreme, with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees.
• Her views on climate change were considered extreme by the majority.