rel·a·tiv·ism
ˈre-lə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 
1
a
: a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing
b
: a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
2
plural -s
: a believer in, or advocate of relativity, relativism, or the theory of relativity
Examples of relativism in a Sentence
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Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
There is also a generalized suspicion of democracy, cities, modernization, progress, cultural relativism, and materialism in favor of monarchism, agrarianism, stasis, fantasies of good versus evil, and a traditionalism that at times borders on religious fundamentalism. ..
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
Perhaps Garber’s earlier relativism was a luxury for less desperate times.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
People sometimes confuse pluralism with moral relativism: the view that right and wrong are just matters of opinion, with no universal moral foundation.
—Eranda Jayawickreme, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
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Noun
Morals, on the other hand are individual and in my opinion, moral relativism has become the norm.
—Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
There is also a generalized suspicion of democracy, cities, modernization, progress, cultural relativism, and materialism in favor of monarchism, agrarianism, stasis, fantasies of good versus evil, and a traditionalism that at times borders on religious fundamentalism. ..
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
Perhaps Garber’s earlier relativism was a luxury for less desperate times.
—Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
People sometimes confuse pluralism with moral relativism: the view that right and wrong are just matters of opinion, with no universal moral foundation.
—Eranda Jayawickreme, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relativism
Cite this Entry
“Relativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relativism. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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