1
as in segregation
the belief that certain races of people are by birth and nature superior to others
Hitler's declaration of his belief in a "master race" provided irrefutable proof to the world of the inherent and dangerous racism of the Nazi movement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prejudice
hatred of or discrimination against a person or persons based on their race
the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most deplorable incidents of racism that occurred during the civil rights movement of the 1960s
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of racism
Cook’s broader economic research on inequality, innovation, and racism’s effect on invention brings policy relevance that might otherwise go overlooked.
—
Kori Hale,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA TODAY,
25 July 2023
Sometimes the evidence of racism’s history is right underfoot.
—
USA Today,
17 Aug. 2020
The book made theorizing about genetic differences between the races acceptable among certain corners of the mainstream right, paving the way for scientific racism’s resurgence in the Trump era.
—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for racism
Kori Hale,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body.
—
Marc Ramirez,
USA TODAY,
25 July 2023
Sometimes the evidence of racism’s history is right underfoot.
—
USA Today,
17 Aug. 2020
The book made theorizing about genetic differences between the races acceptable among certain corners of the mainstream right, paving the way for scientific racism’s resurgence in the Trump era.
—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for racism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
Noun
-
Many of the devices employed during segregation, such as poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and literacy tests, were superficially race-neutral.
-
Johnson Beach on Perdido Key’s east end, once a refuge for Black residents during the segregation era, is particularly worthy of a visit.
Noun
-
Hatcher — a Pomo shape-shifter who dodges prejudice by passing as Mexican in the novel — is a thorny protagonist, often cunning, scheming and unforgiving.
-
The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning that Sorsby cannot simply refile the suit and resume his college eligibility battle.
Cite this Entry
“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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