Definition of religion
1a : the state of a religious a nun in her 20th year of religionb (1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
religionless
adjectiveExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of religion in a Sentence
Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis.
There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan.
Hockey is a religion in Canada.
Politics are a religion to him.
Where I live, high school football is religion.
Food is religion in this house.
Recent Examples of religion from the Web
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A few conversation topics that are taboo and can make a conversation go nuclear include opinions on politics and religion.
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Moving to L.A. from New York has become a thing, and not just with people wanting to break into Hollywood or start a religion.
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With subjects ranging from mathematics and poetry to religion and astronomy, the collection was as varied as his professional pursuits.
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This all might be considered sacrilegious if the show gave any evidence of understanding what religion is.
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Each person, no matter race, sex, needs, or religion has a unique gift.
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Sam Hinkie turned patience into its own extremist religion.
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Berrios said the church can't hide behind religion.
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But the First Amendment, the tenet of U.S. democracy that bolsters freedom of religion and speech, also covers freedom of the press -- a protection Trump didn’t highlight.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'religion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of religion
Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely
Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms
Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra
RELIGION Defined for English Language Learners
religion
playDefinition of religion for English Language Learners
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: the belief in a god or in a group of gods
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: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
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: an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group
RELIGION Defined for Kids
religion
playDefinition of religion for Students
1 : the belief in and worship of God or gods
2 : a system of religious beliefs and practices
Learn More about religion
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See words that rhyme with religion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for religion Spanish Central: Translation of religion Nglish: Translation of religion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of religion for Arabic speakers
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