sect

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 The word ‘sect’ covers a fairly broad field, since, in fact, a religion could quickly fall under the definition of a sect. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2025 Yet some groups remain uneasy about their place in the new Syria, where there have already been mass killings of Alawites, Assad’s minority Muslim sect. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 May 2025 Lebanon's political system is based on sect, mandating that the president be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Qumran was destroyed by the Romans, circa 73 CE, and historians believe the scrolls were hidden in the caves by a sect called the Essenes to protect them from being destroyed. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sect
Noun
  • The irony of Rollins now leading a dominant faction with a young powerhouse in its ranks is not lost on many fans.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Satisfying the old and new theme park factions is tricky, Atwood said.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • Buhari spent much of the following 30 years in fringe political parties and trying to run for president until his eventual victory over Jonathan in 2015.
    Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 2025
  • Even after stepping very far away from that role, Musk remains focused on a wide range of activities outside of Tesla, including starting a third political party and trying to fix problems at X, his social media platform.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, the Democratic Party remains at a crossroads, caught between the growing influence of the far-left, and the more politically viable moderate wing.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • In place of sun-worshiping fans camped out on makeshift bleachers, parents lounged on cushioned seats as kids nestled beside them balancing chicken wings and pizzas on their laps.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • There's a dual front light plus an integrated rear light, and a side kickstand and full fenders.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
  • Flip tortillas; scatter 2 tablespoons of the cheese over one half of toasted side.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sect. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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