DEISM Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

deism

noun

Definition of deism

as in paganism

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deism This vague gesture in the direction of deism has no antecedent in the book, no moral or theological trajectory to make Bambi’s insight meaningful or satisfying. — Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2022 Those intuitions usually commended a staid deism and scorn for those whose beliefs extended any further. — Jeffrey Collins, WSJ, 12 Mar. 2021 These concepts readily passed from Rousseau’s sentimental deism, to Hegel’s doctrine of world-historical progress, to Marx, and to progressivism today. — John D. Hagen, National Review, 20 Aug. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deism

Noun

There are still remnants of the Gauls in the modern French language, including the words for country and paganism, INRAP president Dominique Garcia pointed out.

— CBS News, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
To Europeans, the binary of civility and savagery paralleled that of Christianity and paganism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Feb. 2026

Definition of paganism

Noun

Instead, there are countless influencers, preachers, and personalities who have created niche movements with their own theologies and political alignments.

— Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 2026
Though our congregations differ in theology and practice, we are united by enduring religious teachings that call upon us to care for the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, pursue justice, protect creation, and seek peace.

— Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

Definition of theology

Noun

For all its moral and political weight, monotheism is surprisingly hard to pin down.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
Stasevska was born in 1984, the same year that Glass’ hypnotic, ritualistic opera, about an Egyptian pharaoh who dared to push monotheism onto his polytheistic culture, debuted in Stuttgart, Germany.

— Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Definition of monotheism

Noun

The faith codes included dozens of highly specific Christian denominations, as well as groups such as Ásatrú, which honors Norse gods; Eckankar, which emphasizes soul travel, dreams, and past-life study; and the Troth, a form of Germanic polytheism.

— Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2026
As Jewish identity crystallized during and after the Babylonian exile, polytheism remained an enduring temptation.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026

Definition of polytheism

Noun

Even Fitz-Gerald’s locker is a callback to his mom’s doctrines.

— Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
But the doctrine has been employed in very limited circumstances in the past, and the government has never developed rules to ensure that it is not abused.

— Benjamin Leff, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Definition of doctrine

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“Deism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deism. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deism

noun

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