separation of church and state

noun phrase

: the act or state of keeping government and religion separate from each other

Examples of separation of church and state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

France, a secular nation where the separation of church and state is enshrined in a 1905 law, has witnessed a steady decline in affiliation to the Catholic Church during the post-war era. — Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

Experts have previously told USA TODAY the Supreme Court has increasingly prioritized the free exercise of religion over concerns about the separation of church and state in recent years. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

In their Supreme Court brief, the families' attorneys argue that the law violates basic First Amendment principles governing the separation of church and state. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

The case could set up a landmark clash over the separation of church and state. — Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for separation of church and state

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Legal Definition

separation of church and state

: the separation of religion and government mandated under the establishment clause and the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution that forbids governmental establishment or preference of a religion and that preserves religious freedom from governmental intrusion