Definition of racismnext
1
as in segregation
the belief that certain races of people are by birth and nature superior to others Hitler's declaration of his belief in a "master race" provided irrefutable proof to the world of the inherent and dangerous racism of the Nazi movement

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2
as in prejudice
hatred of or discrimination against a person or persons based on their race the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most deplorable incidents of racism that occurred during the civil rights movement of the 1960s

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
Noun
  • In somewhat bare-bones, cozy settings, Red Lobster became a middle-class family destination, and was welcoming to Black customers at a time when segregation, while outlawed, was still common in much of the American South.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Housing discrimination and segregation were deep-seated, and the Los Angeles sky was the color of swamp water.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Justice Department wanted to preserve the possibility of bringing the case again, but In his ruling Thursday, Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Hearn cannot be charged again over the same allegations.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The memo demanded that the charges be dismissed without prejudice—meaning that they could later be reinstated.
    — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
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.

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“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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