Confucian

adjective

Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən 

: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers

Confucian noun

Confucianism

kən-ˈfyü-shə-ˌni-zəm 

noun

Confucianist

kən-ˈfyü-shə-nist 

noun or adjective

Examples of Confucian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, against the intimate interiority of this elegant narrative, untamed urges clash with Confucian ideals of filial piety and Buddhist undertones of the suffering caused by worldly attachments. — Literary Hub, 28 May 2026

Government officials noted the island’s drift away from Confucian values. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

The passion reflects a tradition in the Confucian belt of East Asia that the path to glory is to study. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026

Likewise, Stephan Angle proposes that the capacity to program software, which can encourage certain virtues, suggests that the ubiquity of AI may be of use in constructing a society with Confucian values. — Big Think, 18 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Confucian

• ablution
• aleutian
• dilution
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

Confucian

adjective

Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən 

: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers

Confucian noun

Confucianism

-shə-ˌniz-əm 

noun

Confucianist

-shə-nəst 

noun or adjective