Joseph BergerEsquireDonald KenrickClaire Gillespie
The History and Dictionary Meanings of Racism and Racist: Usage Guide
Racism and racist appear to be words of recent origin, with no citations currently known that would suggest these words were in use prior to the early 20th century. But the fact that the words are fairly new does not prove that the concept of racism did not exist in the distant past. Things may have words to describe them before they exist (spaceship, for instance, has been in use since the 19th century, well before the rocket-fired vessels were invented), and things may exist for a considerable time before they are given names (T-shirt does not appear in print until the 20th century, although the article of clothing existed prior to 1900). Dictionaries are often treated as the final arbiter in arguments over a word's meaning, but they are not always well suited for settling disputes. The lexicographer's role is to explain how words are (or have been) actually used, not how some may feel that they should be used, and they say nothing about the intrinsic nature of the thing named or described by a word, much less the significance it may have for individuals. When discussing concepts like racism, therefore, it is prudent to recognize that quoting from a dictionary is unlikely to either mollify or persuade the person with whom one is arguing.
Andrew KeenSynonyms
Examples of racist in a Sentence
Mujib Mashal, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
In recent years, people have grown used to the idea that women, people of color and LGBTQ people have the right to label language or actions sexist, racist or homophobic.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 23 Apr. 2024
Mohamed Hadid, the father of models Gigi and Bella Hadid, has apologized after allegedly sending New York Rep. Ritchie Torres racist and homophobic messages via Instagram direct message, according to the New York Post.
—Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Apr. 2024
Critics have accused him of being racist, misogynist, antisemitic and anti-Muslim, all the reasons Swift fans were not happy that her years-long friendship with him had become romantic.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024
In private conversations, court documents allege, Millsap expressed racist and antisemitic views.
—Nicole Carr, ProPublica, 18 Apr. 2024
The edifice of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), a reasonable-sounding concept that serves as a dog whistle for critical race theory and is premised on the claim that our country is systemically racist, is cracking.
—Richard T. Bosshardt, National Review, 17 Apr. 2024
In a landmark decision, Evanston, a city just north of Chicago, enacted a reparations fund for its Black residents who were at least 18 years old from 1919 until 1969 and their descendants who were affected by systemically racist policies, mainly redlining.
—Jasmine Browley, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024
The letter goes on to espouse additional racist and eugenic language.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 15 Apr. 2024
Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Silvio and Stephan Marsan allegedly sent racist, homophobic and antisemitic memes and messages in group chats with a number of Brandy Melville employees.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
In the film, which airs on HBO on Tuesday, helmer Eva Orner highlights allegations of a racist, sexist and discriminatory work environment at cult teen-girl brand Brandy Melville from former employees at various levels of the label.
—Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2024
But Netanyahu hadn’t just given Israel’s most extreme racists unprecedented power and legitimacy.
—Anshel Pfeffer, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2024
Only to be out three years and have an encounter with this racist, incompetent officer who took his life unnecessarily.
—Char Adams, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2024
The play, which Clive Barnes of The Times called racist, closed after a week.
—Anita Gates, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Read more Claim: Pete Buttigieg said collapsed Baltimore bridge was ‘racist’
Our rating: False
Buttigieg didn’t call the bridge racist.
—Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
The attacks quickly turned misogynistic and racist.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'racist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near racist
Cite this Entry
“Racist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racist. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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