pluralism
noun
plu·ral·ism
ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm 
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
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
The joint message from presidential centers, foundations and institutes emphasized the need for compassion, tolerance and pluralism while urging Americans to respect democratic institutions and uphold secure and accessible elections.
—
Gary Fields, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023
America is a delicate experiment of a multiracial, multireligious, multi-factional democracy, and pluralism — recognizing and validating difference — has always been crucial to fulfilling its promise.
—Justin Gest, National Review, 4 July 2023
The movement’s focus on quantifiable cost-benefit analysis may need to be matched with less measurable values, like intellectual humility and pluralism.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2022
Perhaps above all, Victory City is a love song to pluralism: to diversity and Vive la différence.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Apr. 2023
Daesh specifically targeted religious minorities, Yazidis and Christians, for destruction in an attempt to annihilate religious pluralism and establish a purely Islamic region, in accordance with its perverted interpretation of what this would involve.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023
Biden’s comments alluded to the fact that Law and Justice, the right-wing populist party that has governed Poland since 2015, had been steadily eroding judicial independence, press freedom, and civic pluralism.
—Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2023
The High Court resolved that tension on Friday with a 6-3 ruling in favor of the First Amendment, a decisive victory for American pluralism.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 July 2023
Within the realm of musical performance, happily, pluralism reigns.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 17 May 2023
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Gary Fields, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2023
America is a delicate experiment of a multiracial, multireligious, multi-factional democracy, and pluralism — recognizing and validating difference — has always been crucial to fulfilling its promise.
—Justin Gest, National Review, 4 July 2023
The movement’s focus on quantifiable cost-benefit analysis may need to be matched with less measurable values, like intellectual humility and pluralism.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2022
Perhaps above all, Victory City is a love song to pluralism: to diversity and Vive la différence.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 3 Apr. 2023
Daesh specifically targeted religious minorities, Yazidis and Christians, for destruction in an attempt to annihilate religious pluralism and establish a purely Islamic region, in accordance with its perverted interpretation of what this would involve.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023
Biden’s comments alluded to the fact that Law and Justice, the right-wing populist party that has governed Poland since 2015, had been steadily eroding judicial independence, press freedom, and civic pluralism.
—Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2023
The High Court resolved that tension on Friday with a 6-3 ruling in favor of the First Amendment, a decisive victory for American pluralism.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 1 July 2023
Within the realm of musical performance, happily, pluralism reigns.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 17 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pluralism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near pluralism
Cite this Entry
“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on pluralism
Britannica English: Translation of pluralism for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pluralism
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