noun

revisionism

/rɪˈvɪʒənɪzəm/ · say it: rih·VIZH·uh·niz·um

reinterpreting history, often to suit an agenda

In more detail

1. (noun) the practice of changing or reinterpreting historical facts, especially to support a particular political view or ideology

2. (noun) the policy or practice of revising established ideas, theories, or practices

Examples

1. The government was accused of revisionism for denying what actually happened during the war.
2. The movement rejected revisionism and insisted on returning to traditional methods.

How to use revisionism

Revisionism typically carries a negative connotation when referring to deliberate distortion of history to serve political or ideological ends, though it can be more neutral when describing legitimate scholarly reexamination of established interpretations. The term is common in academic, historical, and political discourse. When applied to ideology or theory, it may suggest unwelcome deviation from orthodox positions.

Common phrases

historical revisionism
revisionism of the past
deny revisionism
reject revisionism
engage in revisionism

Synonyms

reinterpretation · distortion · falsification · revisiting · reexamination

Opposites

orthodoxy · traditionalism

Word family

revisionist (noun/adjective) · revise (verb) · revision (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use revisionism neutrally when the context calls for a more negative tone, or conversely assume it always implies dishonest distortion when some legitimate academic reinterpretations are described this way.

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