pluralism

noun

plu·​ral·​ism ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce pluralism (audio)
1
: the holding of two or more offices or positions (such as benefices) at the same time
2
: the quality or state of being plural
3
a
: a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality
b
: a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4
a
: a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
b
: a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
pluralist adjective or noun
pluralistic adjective
pluralistically adverb

Examples of pluralism in a Sentence

He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism. She's a champion of pluralism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the concept of pluralism, along with the hope to embed it in a democratic process, has been around for quite a while. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 The two clauses are foundational to the American ideal of religious pluralism, but they are also often described as being in tension with one another. Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 29 Apr. 2025 In December, a month after the 2024 election, Obama renewed a call for pluralism — finding a way to live alongside individuals and groups who are different — and spoke about what’s at stake without invoking Trump’s name. Amie Parnes, The Hill, 20 Feb. 2025 Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pluralism

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pluralism was in 1772

Cite this Entry

“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pluralism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!