SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

universalism

play

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

Definition of universalism

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

play \ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-s(ə-)list\ noun or adjective, often capitalized

Recent Examples of universalism from the Web

In those first decades, the Magnum aesthetic was one of humanistic universalism, and photography offered a lingua franca to imagine a new world.

— jason farago, New York Times, "‘Magnum Manifesto,’ a 70-Year History Lesson in Photojournalism," 25 May 2017
This doctrine, known as universalism, envisioned that everyone—including Satan—would eventually be redeemed and reunited with God.

— National Geographic, "The Campaign to Eliminate Hell," 13 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'universalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of universalism

1722

Learn More about universalism

See words that rhyme with universalism Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about universalism

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up universalism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

toothsome

play

agreeable, attractive, or delicious

BROWSE DICTIONARY

universal grammar

Universalian

universalism

universalistic

universalistic hedonism

Test Your Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Which of the following is a new sense of the word bunny?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

alt-59c52d6ee2f72

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

alt-59c4207ecf106

Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

alt-59c2960017c94

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Ask the Editors

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

video-irregardless-grammar-peeve-blend-of-the-synonyms-irrespective-and-regardless

Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

video-moose-goose-weird-plurals

Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

young-plant-shoots

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

Take the quiz

stylized-drawing-of-woman-pole-vaulting-across-gap-to-get-trophy

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game