sect

Definition of sectnext
as in faction
a group of people acting together within a larger group one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sect Japan was stunned into a mainstream awareness of cults in 1995, when Aum Shinrikyo, a vaguely Buddhist meditation sect, released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway, killing more than a dozen and injuring thousands. E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 The Shakers, a sect of Christianity named for their ecstatic worship dancing, were nonviolent and refused to fight in the Revolutionary War upon settling in Upstate New York. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 What were the political and cultural circumstances that allowed Friend’s sect to flourish? Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026 Central to the Christian sect’s game plan was its intent to create a utopian-like community in America in which everyone gets treated equally and pacifism receives a warm embrace. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sect
Noun
  • Tens of millions of dollars have already been set aside by the contending factions in anticipation of an all-out political war next fall.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The law classifies these crimes as heinous, prohibiting bail, amnesty or pardon, and hindering the progression of sentences for members of criminal factions.
    Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the federal government’s one-time contribution, several parties may contribute to a child’s account.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Very few voters have favorable opinions of political leaders in the other party.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Mahmood, a close ally of Starmer, is seen as a possible curveball that could re-engage left-wing voters who feel dissatisfied with Labour while also offering concessions to right-wing voters concerned about the immigration crisis.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • While the environmental wing claims efforts have not gone far enough, for example, there are also those arguing that countries can’t be forced to decarbonize their economies.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On the winning side of Wall Street were companies that stand to benefit from big spending by Alphabet and others continuing the AI frenzy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Interestingly, not on the recruitment side.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sect. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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