separatism

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ism ˈse-p(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce separatism (audio)
: a belief in, movement for, or state of separation (such as schism, secession, or segregation)

Examples of separatism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Left-wing ideology accounted for 65, with other motivations, like foreign nationalism, Islamism, and separatism, accounting for the rest. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025 Under Erdogan, Turkey has long supported different Islamist factions to further its strategic interests, especially the goal of countering Kurdish separatism on its southeastern periphery. Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 In contrast to other, more mainstream Civil Rights organizations, SNCC leaders began to emphasize Black separatism, which alienated white participants. Time, 7 Aug. 2025 Lubchansky’s sophomore graphic novel explores the limits of utopian separatism, the downsides to trying to work against an oppressive system from the inside, and how communities can defend themselves and win. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for separatism

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separatism was in 1628

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Cite this Entry

“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separatism. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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