fundamentalist

[ fuhn-duh-men-tl-ist ]

noun

1. an adherent of fundamentalism, a religious movement characterized by a strict belief in the literal interpretation of religious texts:

   radical fundamentalists.

adjective

1. noting or relating to fundamentalism or fundamentalists:

   fundamentalist sects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fundamentalist¹

First recorded in 1920–25; fundamental ( def ) + -ist ( def )

Example Sentences

They also stated that Islamic fundamentalists and riotous groups are encouraged by the new tyranny and are on the hunt for LGBTQ people.

From Washington Blade

Both moderates, Baerbock and Habeck have bridged divides between the party’s long-feuding fundamentalist and realist wings, overseeing the Greens’ consolidation as a pro-business, centrist party.

From Time

Their core ideology is fundamentalist, particularly towards women.

From No Straight News

The journey from fundamentalist to regular person, it turns out, makes for a more compelling story than the journey from fundamentalist to personal brand.

From Time

At our best, America remains a rebellious project against tribal and fundamentalist forces.

From Time

“To the fundamentalist leadership of al-Qaida, Saddam represented the worst kind of ‘apostate’ regime,” they wrote.

From The Daily Beast

“Most Jamaicans are religious and belong to fundamentalist Christian denominations,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

In the current climate, fundamentalist vigilantes may well believe their actions are justified.

From The Daily Beast

These fanatical groups wish to create fundamentalist enclaves in which some version of Sharia law will prevail.

From The Daily Beast

Well-known defectors from fundamentalist Christianity—musicians, writers, preachers—sort roughly into two categories.

From The Daily Beast

And you attacked her like some kind of fundamentalist, proving her point.

From Project Gutenberg

I also attend our Fundamentalist Bible lectures, Jewish mission meetings, and the like.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fanatic
• zealot