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
Examples of universalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brustein’s universalism grew ornerier and more claustrophobic with age.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023
These are people who reject universalism—the conviction that certain ideas and principles have a universal value that transcends nations, borders, bloodlines.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 13 Oct. 2023
Wyatt sat down with Billboard earlier this year to talk about her new music, her time behind bars and the bittersweet universalism of a broken heart.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 3 Aug. 2023
Wealth gains have been radically unequal within and across societies, and the underlying aspirations of liberal universalism have led to costly and failed military interventions.
—Patrick Porter, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020
Another reason, and perhaps the most deeply rooted, is the French ideal of universalism—the notion that one’s identity as a French citizen transcends race, gender, and religion.
—Charlotte Kilpatrick, The New Republic, 3 July 2023
Race was a taboo topic for decades in France, which is officially committed to a doctrine of colorblind universalism.
—John Leicester, Sylvie Corbet and Lewis Joly, Anchorage Daily News, 2 July 2023
The concept of universalism once defined the left; international solidarity was its watchword.
—Time, 27 June 2023
In its crusading universalism, it could be regarded by other states, with ample supporting evidence, as at best recklessly meddlesome and at worst messianically interventionist.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
See More
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023
These are people who reject universalism—the conviction that certain ideas and principles have a universal value that transcends nations, borders, bloodlines.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 13 Oct. 2023
Wyatt sat down with Billboard earlier this year to talk about her new music, her time behind bars and the bittersweet universalism of a broken heart.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 3 Aug. 2023
Wealth gains have been radically unequal within and across societies, and the underlying aspirations of liberal universalism have led to costly and failed military interventions.
—Patrick Porter, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020
Another reason, and perhaps the most deeply rooted, is the French ideal of universalism—the notion that one’s identity as a French citizen transcends race, gender, and religion.
—Charlotte Kilpatrick, The New Republic, 3 July 2023
Race was a taboo topic for decades in France, which is officially committed to a doctrine of colorblind universalism.
—John Leicester, Sylvie Corbet and Lewis Joly, Anchorage Daily News, 2 July 2023
The concept of universalism once defined the left; international solidarity was its watchword.
—Time, 27 June 2023
In its crusading universalism, it could be regarded by other states, with ample supporting evidence, as at best recklessly meddlesome and at worst messianically interventionist.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 3 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'universalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near universalism
Cite this Entry
“Universalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universalism. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on universalism
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universalism
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share