Reform Judaism

noun

: Judaism marked by a liberal approach in nonobservance of much legal tradition regarded as irrelevant to the present and in shortening and simplification of traditional ritual compare conservative judaism, orthodox judaism

Examples of Reform Judaism in a Sentence

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These and other initiatives are focusing on secular Jews and adherents to Reform Judaism. — Giovanna Dell'orto, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Reform Judaism was in 1871

Rhymes for Reform Judaism

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Reform Jew
Reform Judaism
reform school
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Cite this Entry

“Reform Judaism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Reform%20Judaism. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Reform Judaism

noun
: a 19th and 20th century development of Judaism marked by the nonobservance of much legal tradition no longer considered appropriate, by simplified traditional ceremonies, and by stress on the religious rather than the national quality of Judaism

More from Merriam-Webster on Reform Judaism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Reform Judaism

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