Calvinism

noun

Cal·​vin·​ism ˈkal-və-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Calvinism (audio)
: the theological system of Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination
Calvinist noun or adjective
Calvinistic adjective
Calvinistically adverb

Examples of Calvinism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 That sounds like a garbled version of Max Weber’s highly contestable claims about 17th-century Calvinism. Barton Swaim, WSJ, 3 June 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Calvinism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

John Calvin

First Known Use

circa 1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Calvinism was circa 1570

Dictionary Entries Near Calvinism

Cite this Entry

“Calvinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Calvinism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Calvinism

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