plu·ral·ism
ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the holding of two or more offices or positions (such as benefices) at the same time
2
: the quality or state of being plural
3
a
: a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality
b
: a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4
a
: a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
b
: a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
plu·ral·ist
-lə̇st
1
a
: a clergyman holding more than one benefice or living at a time
b
: a person holding two or more offices at once
2
: one who holds a theory of pluralism or who advocates a state of pluralism
Examples of pluralism in a Sentence
Noun (1)
He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism.
She's a champion of pluralism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
For more than a century, anti-Catholicism was a powerful force in culture and politics – yet, time and again, religious pluralism triumphed.
—Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
And that to me is what pluralism looks like.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 June 2026
In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power.
—Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pluralism
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Noun
At a crucial moment, Habermas’s cherished pluralism failed him.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
For more than a century, anti-Catholicism was a powerful force in culture and politics – yet, time and again, religious pluralism triumphed.
—Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
And that to me is what pluralism looks like.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 June 2026
In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power.
—Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pluralism
Cite this Entry
“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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