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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
Noun
  • Fame and money were not enough to surmount housing segregation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • However, our study indicates that school choice can often lead to greater segregation and inequality.
    Beth Lloyd, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Harper and Wilf are wary of Frith’s visits with Philip, and other characters with their own issues or prejudices have their say as well.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Controversially, Documenta’s explication of antisemitism relies on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, which considers criticism of Israel a form of prejudice.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on racism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster