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.
For more than a century, anti-Catholicism was a powerful force in culture and politics – yet, time and again, religious pluralism triumphed. Matthew Smith, The Conversation, 8 June 2026 And that to me is what pluralism looks like. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 June 2026 In this period before culture was so profoundly professionalized, populism and pluralism were genuine material questions of public participation, access, and power. Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Some of these requirements include free and fair elections, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, equal rights, separation of powers, accountability of leaders, political pluralism, a free press, majority rule tempered by minority rights and thoughtful citizen participation. Steven D. Reske, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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