nonsectarian

adjective

non·​sec·​tar·​i·​an ˌnän-(ˌ)sek-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce nonsectarian (audio)
Synonyms of nonsectariannext
: not having a sectarian character : not affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious group

Examples of nonsectarian in a Sentence

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The education department’s letter also noted that the school has advertised itself as a religious school, but the Colorado Constitution requires public schools to be nonsectarian. Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026 Most of the scholars Wiese discusses were rabbis, whether more traditional ones or proponents of radical reform, and this reflects the degree to which secular Jewish Studies, housed in nonsectarian universities, took longer to develop. Josh Lambert, JSTOR Daily, 19 Sep. 2025 The Dalai Lama’s nonsectarian vision and unifying presence has helped Tibetans in exile avoid the fate of many diaspora communities that fall apart from internal strife, tribal loyalties, and turf wars. Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025 The nonsectarian center hosts retreats that range from 3 to 13 nights, for a wide variety of experience levels, with a central focus on Theravadin teachings and bodhicitta (striving to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings). AFAR Media, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonsectarian

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonsectarian was in 1831

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Cite this Entry

“Nonsectarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonsectarian. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

nonsectarian

adjective
non·​sec·​tar·​i·​an ˌnän-(ˌ)sek-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce nonsectarian (audio)
: not having a sectarian character : not restricted to a particular religious group

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