pluralism

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

pluralist

2 of 2

noun (2)

plu·​ral·​ist

-lə̇st

1

a

: a clergyman holding more than one benefice or living at a time

b

: a person holding two or more offices at once

2

: one who holds a theory of pluralism or who advocates a state of pluralism

Examples of pluralism in a Sentence

Noun (1)

He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism.

She's a champion of pluralism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This Hollywood initiative advises major studios like Disney and Paramount on crafting stories that promote pluralism and humanize differing perspectives. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Perhaps Fischer’s pluralism is too expansive. — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

At a crucial moment, Habermas’s cherished pluralism failed him. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pluralism

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