# extremist

/ɛkˈstɹimɪst/ (US) · /ɛkstɹˈiːmɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extremist
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a person with radical views

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

someone who holds very strong and often dangerous political or religious views.

For teachers: a person who advocates for radical or fanatical measures, often rejecting democratic or moderate processes.

- The government is worried about how extremists use the internet to spread their ideas.
- Political analysts warned that the rise of extremists on both ends of the spectrum could destabilize the fragile coalition government.

Usage: Often used with 'religious' or 'political' as a modifier.

### 2. holding extreme views

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

describing a person or group that has very radical or fanatical opinions.

For teachers: characterized by or relating to extremism; holding views that are far outside the mainstream.

- The group was banned for its extremist views on social media.
- The candidate struggled to distance himself from the extremist rhetoric that had defined his early career in local politics.

## Examples

- The government is worried about the rise of extremists.
- Security forces monitored the extremist group to prevent any potential threats to public safety during the election.
- Political analysts argue that the rhetoric used by the extremist faction effectively polarises the electorate, making bipartisan cooperation nearly impossible in the current legislative climate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.