universalism

noun

uni·​ver·​sal·​ism ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-ˌli-zəm 

1

often capitalized

a

: a theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved

b

: the principles and practices of a liberal Christian denomination founded in the 18th century originally to uphold belief in universal salvation and now united with Unitarianism

2

: something that is universal in scope

3

: the state of being universal : universality

universalist

ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-s(ə-)list 

noun or adjective often capitalized

Examples of universalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grounded in targeted universalism, this approach—called the FIVE Framework—identifies goals that benefit everyone, then addresses specific barriers that prevent some groups from reaching those goals. —Heather Price, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Baldoni — whose Irish Catholic father and Ashkenazi mother both converted to the religion before he was born and raised in California — has made no secret about his devotion to the Baha’i faith, which is based on notions of humanity, universalism and gender equality. —Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025

Paradoxically, this commitment to world peace and universalism reflects IBM’s identity as a distinctly American brand. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 Nov. 2024

But his principles of universalism did not come effortlessly. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for universalism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism