proselytism
noun
pros·e·ly·tism
ˈprä-sə-ˌlī-ˌti-zəm 
ˈprä-s(ə-)lə-
ˈprä-s(ə-)lə-
1
: the act of becoming or condition of being a proselyte : conversion
2
: the act or process of proselytizing
Examples of proselytism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Catholic Charities stressed that the Catholic faith forbids misusing works of charity for proselytism.
—
Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 7 June 2025
In contrast, the other Jewish populations were formed more recently from Jews who migrated or were expelled from Palestine and from individuals who were converted to Judaism during Hellenic-Hasmonean times, when proselytism was a common Jewish practice.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2010
Actually, proselytism itself is somewhat of a foreign concept to Orthodox Jews, as they are commanded to push away newcomers.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 17 Nov. 2020
Whether the converts are repulsed by the violent forms Islam has taken in places like Syria and Afghanistan or are backing up their claims for asylum, the conversions occur quietly and rarely as a result of proselytism.
—Annabelle Timsit, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2017
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Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 7 June 2025
In contrast, the other Jewish populations were formed more recently from Jews who migrated or were expelled from Palestine and from individuals who were converted to Judaism during Hellenic-Hasmonean times, when proselytism was a common Jewish practice.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2010
Actually, proselytism itself is somewhat of a foreign concept to Orthodox Jews, as they are commanded to push away newcomers.
—David Harsanyi, National Review, 17 Nov. 2020
Whether the converts are repulsed by the violent forms Islam has taken in places like Syria and Afghanistan or are backing up their claims for asylum, the conversions occur quietly and rarely as a result of proselytism.
—Annabelle Timsit, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Proselytism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proselytism. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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