PoliticsAugust 25, 2026

triumphalist

try-UM-fuh-list

Definition

Relating to or characterized by an excessive or self-congratulatory sense of victory, often used to describe narratives that celebrate a nation's dominance and superiority.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'triumphus' (a procession for a victorious general) and the suffix '-ist' (denoting a person holding a particular belief), the term evolved to describe a prideful, celebratory attitude toward success.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe an overly optimistic and celebratory historical account of the American victory in the Cold War that ignores potential complexities or failures.

History, Learning, and International Relations

Read the full article ↗

E-International Relations

Related words

attestation

A formal, legally binding statement or declaration that something is true or authentic.

Politics

communalists

People who advocate for or participate in a system where property and resources are…

Politics

cozying

The act of becoming overly friendly or familiar with someone or an organization, often to…

Politics

custodianship

The role, authority, or duty of serving as a guardian or official caretaker of something,…

Politics

delimitation

The legal process of fixing or adjusting the boundaries of electoral districts to ensure…

Politics

disenfranchises

To deprive a person or group of the right to vote or to restrict their access to the…

Politics

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.