secession

noun

se·​ces·​sion si-ˈse-shən How to pronounce secession (audio)
1
: withdrawal into privacy or solitude : retirement
2
: formal withdrawal from an organization

Examples of secession in a Sentence

the secession of the Southern states
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the western region, a secession fight has long brewed mainly among English-speaking citizens who claim they are marginalized by the French-speaking majority. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 Battling secession, segregation and riots. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025 These secessions—each driven by a loss of faith in the scientific soundness of the CDC’s recommendations—seem designed to destroy the agency’s credibility. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 The experience of secession, of war, of industrial slaughter and gallant sacrifice, of Black soldiery and humanity all reforged Lincoln into a stronger alloy. Jack Sheehan september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secession

Word History

Etymology

Latin secession-, secessio, from secedere

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of secession was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secession. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

secession

noun
se·​ces·​sion si-ˈsesh-ən How to pronounce secession (audio)
: the act of seceding

More from Merriam-Webster on secession

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