religion

re·li·gion | \ ri-ˈli-jən

How to pronounce religion (audio)

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Definition of religion

1a : the state of a religious a nun in her 20th year of religion

b(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

Other Words from religion Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about religion

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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 on the Web Latter-day Saints view temples as Houses of the Lord, where faithful members participate in their religion’s holiest rites. — David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Salt Lake Valley LDS temples to expand their operations next week," 17 Aug. 2020 In these cities, pilgrims would encounter sites and scenes associated with many facets of their religion: shrines to honor Jesus and the saints, relics, great cathedrals and sacred landscapes associated with miraculous events and stories. — Kathryn Barush, The Conversation, "As coronavirus curtails travel, backyard pilgrimages become the way to a spiritual journey," 10 Aug. 2020 Before each practice at the Tangkas club, the players are invited to say a prayer according to their religion. — New York Times, "‘When You Say Badminton, You Say Indonesia’," 7 Aug. 2020 Let go of your name, your gender, your race, your history, your religion, your politics and passions. — Pamela Miller, Star Tribune, "Review: "The Wolf's Trail," by Thomas D. Peacock," 7 Aug. 2020 Valuing one human right over another undermines efforts to protect everyone’s rights, including the freedom of religion. — Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, "Pompeo’s plan for a hierarchy of human rights could serve to undermine them all – including religious freedom," 5 Aug. 2020 Roughly comparable shares across religious affiliations — about 4 in 10 — said Jews' freedom of religion is being threatened at least somewhat. — Elana Schor And Hannah Fingerhut, Star Tribune, "Religious freedom in America: popular and polarizing," 5 Aug. 2020 Herschel's consternation about computer coder Ben's rejection of religion is somewhat ameliorated by the fact that his great-grandson has his own seltzer machine. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'An American Pickle': Film Review," 3 Aug. 2020 Fox, an atheist at the time, started going to Trammell with questions about religion. — Sophie Carson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "He 'gave freedom to everyone’s voice': A week after shooting death of Bernell Trammell, friends keep his legacy alive," 31 July 2020

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.

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Last Updated

22 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 23 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for religion

religion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of religion

: the belief in a god or in a group of gods

: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods

informal : an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group

See the full definition for religion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

religion

re·li·gion | \ ri-ˈli-jən

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Kids Definition of religion

1 : the belief in and worship of God or gods

2 : a system of religious beliefs and practices

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