deism

noun, often capitalized

de·ism | \ ˈdē-ˌi-zəm

Definition of deism

: a movement or system of thought advocating natural (see natural entry 1 sense 8b) religion, emphasizing morality, and in the 18th century denying the interference of the Creator with the laws of the universe

Other Words from deism Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about deism

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Other Words from deism

deist \ ˈdē-ist

, ˈdā- \ noun, often capitalized

deistic \ dē-ˈis-tik

, dā- \ adjective

deistical \ -ti-kəl

\ adjective

deistically \ -ti-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Did You Know?

Belief in God based on reason rather than revelation or the teaching of any specific religion is known as deism. The word originated in England in the early 17th century as a rejection of orthodox Christianity. Deists asserted that reason could find evidence of God in nature and that God had created the world and then left it to operate under the natural laws devised by God. By the late 18th century, deism was the dominant religious attitude among Europe’s educated classes; it was accepted by many upper-class Americans of the same era, including the first three US presidents.

Examples of deism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And yet Kelso returned to a kind of deism after the war. — D.g. Hart, WSJ, "‘Skepticism and American Faith’ Review: Believe It or Not," 22 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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