separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist 

ˈse-pə-ˌrā-

: one that favors separatism: such as

a

Separatist : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England

b

: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)

c

: an advocate of racial or cultural separation

separatist adjective

separatistic

ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vote, which was announced after months of campaigning from separatists in Alberta, is expected to be held in the fall. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 26 May 2026

With Iran’s stability weakening, these dynamics are likely to deepen, potentially raising tensions between Islamabad and Tehran over separatists in the future. —Amira Jadoon, The Conversation, 13 May 2026

Over the span of two days, the group – working in tandem with ethnic Tuareg separatists – struck military targets in and around the capital, Bamako, hit the country’s international airport, seized the northern city of Kidal, and assassinated the country’s defense minister. —Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026

Since militants linked to al Qaeda and the northern separatist Tuareg rebels launched simultaneous attacks on April 25 — the most audacious in over a decade — Mali has plunged deeper into chaos. —Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 10 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing separatist

• anti-separatist

Kids Definition

separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst 

: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)

separatism

-rə-ˌtiz-əm

noun

separatist adjective