reconstructionism

noun

re·​con·​struc·​tion·​ism ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-shə-ˌni-zəm 

variants often Reconstructionism

1

: a movement in 20th century American Judaism that advocates a creative adjustment to contemporary conditions through the cultivation of traditions and folkways shared by all Jews

2

: advocacy of post-Civil War Reconstruction

Examples of reconstructionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the heart of reconstructionism lies the conviction that politics, economics, education and culture are all arenas where divine authority should reign. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2026

Neopaganism’s various branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, a religion that focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. — Alyssa Beall, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023

For Joseph, the First Reconstruction established the central tension between reconstructionism and redemptionism, a tension that encapsulates our national moment. — Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022

Epstein has some respect for reconstructionism, which can be traced back to ancient philosophy. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 27 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for reconstructionism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism