Cal·vin·ism
ˈkal-və-ˌni-zəm 
: the theological system of Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination
Cal·vin·ist
ˈkal-və-nist
plural -s
Cal·vin·ist
ˈkal-və-nist
variants
or Calvinistic
or less commonly Calvinistical
¦kal-və-¦ni-sti-kəl
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Calvinism or Calvinists
Examples of Calvinism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
In contrast with Lutherans and other Reformation faiths, Calvinism insisted on discipline as a key method for unifying communities.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025
Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
That sounds like a garbled version of Max Weber’s highly contestable claims about 17th-century Calvinism.
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 3 June 2021
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Noun
The islands are home to a very conservative branch of Calvinism which believes deeply in the Sabbath.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
In contrast with Lutherans and other Reformation faiths, Calvinism insisted on discipline as a key method for unifying communities.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025
Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
That sounds like a garbled version of Max Weber’s highly contestable claims about 17th-century Calvinism.
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 3 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Calvinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Calvinism. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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