religion

noun

ri-ˈli-jən How to pronounce religion (audio)
Definition of religionnext
1
as in cult
a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities the Jewish religion has followers in many parts of the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faith
belief and trust in and loyalty to God without his religion, he would not have been able to survive all the difficulties he has faced over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 religion This case brings together major themes from recent Supreme Court cases about religion’s role in public life, especially in education. — Mark Satta, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026 Those who still practiced formal religion learned out of necessity how to live a more independent spiritual practice. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 About half live in Africa with most in Kenya, where Americans introduced the religion. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Oklahoma officials had argued that allowing the school into the program would violate the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which bars the government from establishing a state religion, an argument the judge rejected. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
  1. cult
  2. faith
  3. persuasion
  4. devotion
  5. creed
  6. sect
Noun
  • Among Barravento’s additional projects in development is an English-language remake of Kanteo Shindo’s cult horror classic Onibaba.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Later, she’s taken in by a tinkerer with a tiny cult, and bonds with another woman there.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of cult
Noun
  • The impulse to hate, rather than love, thy neighbor—especially one who practiced a different version of the same faith—was also depressingly strong.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Ali stars as Latif, a devoutly religious hitman who struggles to balance work, faith and fatherhood.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of faith
Noun
  • Encouraging Participation Instead Of Persuasion Younger consumers respond to participation, not persuasion.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Now Americans in every state and of every political persuasion this fall will be able to vote by mail, a secure, convenient and growing method that millions chose to exercise the franchise.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of persuasion
Noun
  • According to industry gossip at the time, the only reason George even released this single was his pure fanboy devotion.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • These people love something so much that their devotion mirrors the kind of energy normally reserved for higher stakes.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • The seven-word message became the Washington Commanders’ game-day creed in 2024 and has hung around ever since — literally.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Few eras of Greek history compare to the ancient times that the country has become so synonymous with—the cinematic fables of Odysseus, comic-book lore of Leonidas, and philosophic creeds of Socrates are ever-present in pop culture.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of creed
Noun
  • While some newly prominent groups (such as those who later became known as Quakers) emphasized love, fellowship and justice, some members of other sects (like the Presbyterians) created new fears, new sins, new tests and new punishments.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Hardwick has worked in every sect of comedy, from the stand-up stage, to acting and writing in television and film, to voiceover work and hosting various podcasts and talk shows such as @midnight and Talking Dead.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of sect

Browse Nearby Words

relights
religion
religionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/religion. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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