Confucian
adjective
Con·fu·cian
kən-ˈfyü-shən 
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
Confucian
noun
Examples of Confucian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rooted in Confucian ethics, Zen Buddhism and Shinto beliefs, this code emphasizes loyalty, self-sacrifice and duty to protect others.
—
Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025
In the Confucian culture of Han China, such actions were considered highly inappropriate for women, but Empress Dowager Ling carried them out while holding the Chinese title of empress dowager.
—Stephanie Balkwill, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
The ghosts debate the nature of China’s modernity, the struggle between Confucian and Legalist traditions, and the influence of Japanese versus European ideas on the New Culture Movement.
—Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
This trio of industry players hope the Confucian concept rings true for circularity’s sake.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2025
In fact, the Confucian thought-world was capacious and flexible.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Kim added that the pursuit of individualism in Korea coexists with a sense of community, rooted in Confucian values, and a collective yearning for freedom stemming from Japanese occupation and dictatorial regimes.
—Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Founded by Emperor Hongwu, the dynasty is known for restoring Han Chinese governance and promoting Confucian values.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
Regardless of their religious backgrounds, many refugee Southeast Asian families were familiar with, and still observed, Confucian customs governing gendered behavior and fathers’ authority.
—H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
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Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025
In the Confucian culture of Han China, such actions were considered highly inappropriate for women, but Empress Dowager Ling carried them out while holding the Chinese title of empress dowager.
—Stephanie Balkwill, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
The ghosts debate the nature of China’s modernity, the struggle between Confucian and Legalist traditions, and the influence of Japanese versus European ideas on the New Culture Movement.
—Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
This trio of industry players hope the Confucian concept rings true for circularity’s sake.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2025
In fact, the Confucian thought-world was capacious and flexible.
—Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024
Kim added that the pursuit of individualism in Korea coexists with a sense of community, rooted in Confucian values, and a collective yearning for freedom stemming from Japanese occupation and dictatorial regimes.
—Hanna Park, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Founded by Emperor Hongwu, the dynasty is known for restoring Han Chinese governance and promoting Confucian values.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024
Regardless of their religious backgrounds, many refugee Southeast Asian families were familiar with, and still observed, Confucian customs governing gendered behavior and fathers’ authority.
—H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Confucian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Confucian. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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Confucian
adjective
Con·fu·cian
kən-ˈfyü-shən
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
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