separatism

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ism ˈse-p(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm 

: a belief in, movement for, or state of separation (such as schism, secession, or segregation)

Examples of separatism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lich, who was tried and convicted in connection with the protests and is still under house arrest, has shifted her energies to Alberta separatism. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Pakistan must manage its sizeable Shiite population and its sensitive relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns over Kurdish separatism despite competing elsewhere in the region. — Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

China has long accused the Dalai Lama of promoting separatism. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Both countries depend on each other to stifle Kurdish separatism. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for separatism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism