pluralism

noun plu·ral·ism \ ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Definition of pluralism

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

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pluralist

play \ˈplu̇r-ə-list\ adjective or noun

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pluralistic

play \ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-stik\ adjective

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pluralistically

play \ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See pluralism defined for English-language learners

Examples of pluralism in a Sentence

He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism.
She's a champion of pluralism.

Recent Examples of pluralism from the Web

Kennedy’s pragmatic libertarianism — his belief in limited government, pluralism, moderation, and social cohesion — didn’t fit into either of our two political tribes’ worldview.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Anthony Kennedy and the Death of True American Conservatism," 29 June 2018
In other words, America’s tolerant pluralism must be replaced by a fear-mongering populism that supports the rights of the few against those who look different.

— trudy rubin, Philly.com, "U.S. withdrawal from U.N. Human Rights Council reflects Trump hypocrisy | Trudy Rubin," 20 June 2018
By spending without reform and ruling out pluralism, Theresa May is out of step with a majority of voters.

— rupert darwall, WSJ, "Reform the NHS Before It Kills Again," 4 July 2018
Folks who hold one vision for our nation embrace this pluralism forecast decades ago.

— fred niedner, Post-Tribune, "Niedner: Recommitting to our founding values crucial to future," 6 July 2018
These beliefs are now recognized as objectionable; they’ve been replaced, ostensibly, by an acceptance of pluralism and diversity — though not a deep commitment to integration.

— New York Times, "White People Are Noticing Something New: Their Own Whiteness," 13 June 2018
The underlying argument Himmelfarb made was that American pluralism is a zero-sum game, so if blacks rise, Jews must suffer.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Commentary Magazine’s ‘Negro Problem’," 15 June 2018
And not all threats to pluralism are of the same order.

— The Economist, "Lessons from the rise of strongmen in weak states," 14 June 2018
The forum also hosted speakers from international organizations, like the United Nations, and members of other faiths, such as Buddhism and Christianity, to deepen discussions on pluralism and tolerance.

— Washington Post, "Muslim minority communities meet in UAE to talk challenges," 10 May 2018

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

First Known Use of pluralism

1772

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

PLURALISM Defined for English Language Learners

pluralism

noun

Definition of pluralism for English Language Learners

: a situation in which people of different social classes, religions, races, etc., are together in a society but continue to have their different traditions and interests
: the belief that people of different social classes, religions, races, etc., should live together in a society