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

pluralist

ˈplu̇r-ə-list 

adjective or noun

pluralistic

ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

pluralistically

ˌplu̇r-ə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

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

Kurdish political culture strongly favors democratic values, pluralism and women’s participation, which is why there is almost no support among them for monarchy or lifetime rule. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Ethnic minorities join the protest Iran is a country of about 93 million people whose modern state was built around a centralized national identity rather than ethnic pluralism. —Shukriya Bradost, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2026

With this abundance came a greater capacity for tolerance, pluralism, and peaceful coexistence. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025

By hollowing out pluralism and delegitimizing their opponents, these leaders, to varying degrees, roll back political rights and civil liberties. —Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pluralism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism