imperialistic

American  

[im-peer-ee-uhl-ist-ik] / ɪmˌpɪər i əlˈɪst ɪk /

adjective

1. seeking to extend the rule of an empire over foreign countries or to acquire and hold colonies.

2. promoting the interests of an empire or of a colonial or postcolonial power over the interests of its dependent states or populations.

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Example Sentences

Demonstrators expressed outrage at what many residents described as threatening and imperialistic rhetoric.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2026

“It was one of the most important times in modern history, a time period where young white, Black, Latino, Asian people were rising up and challenging this imperialistic nature of America,” he said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

Francis “certainly didn’t want to exalt imperialistic logic or government personalities, who were cited to indicate certain historic periods of reference,” Bruni said in a statement.

From Washington Times • Aug. 29, 2023

The American Museum of Natural History became Exhibit A for such an institution — imperialistic and voracious, hunting down exotic animals and cultural artifacts in the name of science and scholarship.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

Abigail seconded the assessment, calling Hamilton “a second Buonaparty” whose imperialistic designs could only be guessed at.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis