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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Example Sentences

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 racism In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023 Sometimes the evidence of racism’s history is right underfoot. USA Today, 17 Aug. 2020 Not speaking about or not gaining knowledge of racism's existence -- that stunts the progress of equality. S. Mitra Kalita, CNN, 9 July 2020 The book made theorizing about genetic differences between the races acceptable among certain corners of the mainstream right, paving the way for scientific racism’s resurgence in the Trump era. Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for racism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
Noun
  • Over time, through Jim Crow, segregation, and disinheritance, Black families were not allowed to access the property anymore.
    Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
  • That is gentrification without preservation, segregation by another name.
    John W. Beacham, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • They were dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled at a future date.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Criminal charges against Baldwin were ultimately dismissed with prejudice in 2024.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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