1. a person who supports or practices mercantilism, an economic theory emphasizing exports over imports and accumulating wealth through trade
Usage: economics; historical

1. relating to or characteristic of mercantilism or mercantilists
Usage: economics; historical

Examples

• The mercantilist believed that a nation’s wealth depended on maintaining a positive trade balance.
• Adam Smith criticized mercantilist policies in his famous work on economics.
• Colonial powers often adopted mercantilist strategies to control trade with their territories.
• The mercantilist approach favored high tariffs on imported goods.
• Many economists today reject mercantilist theories in favor of free trade.
• The government’s mercantilist policies restricted foreign competition.