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

Rawls provided the most influential modern formulation of what reasonableness demands under conditions of pluralism—the condition under which the people in most of the world’s democracies live. —Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

These congregations just completely dispense with any allegiance to the American idea of pluralism or anything but White Christian nationalism. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026

Reirson, the Western State College of Law professor, said the nation’s founding ideals of pluralism and equal opportunity have often clashed with an undercurrent of nativism and white supremacy. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Americans of all religious faiths, including those with none at all, should be proud of our pluralism and look to strengthen it, rather than calling it a lie. —Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

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