separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist 

ˈse-pə-ˌrā-

: one that favors separatism: such as

a

Separatist : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England

b

: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)

c

: an advocate of racial or cultural separation

separatist adjective

separatistic

ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dyke This quarterly, first published in 1975, is the brainchild of lesbian separatists Liza Cowan and Penny House. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026

However, some analysts suspect the bombing was the work of Uyghur separatists angry that Thailand had forcibly repatriated scores of Uyghurs to China in July 2015. —ABC News, 11 June 2026

Christianity, then, is not a separatist, otherworldly faith. —Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

The vote, which was announced after months of campaigning from separatists in Alberta, is expected to be held in the fall. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing separatist

• anti-separatist

Kids Definition

separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst 

: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)

separatism

-rə-ˌtiz-əm

noun

separatist adjective