as in rebel
a person who thinks that a nation, state, etc., should separate from another and become independent
A growing group of secessionists are pushing for the independence of the region.
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Recent Examples of secessionist
But some analysts fear that recognizing Somaliland could disrupt the region, strengthen groups like Al Shabab and upset close U.S. allies like Egypt, Turkey and the African Union, who fear the move would set a precedent for secessionist movements across Africa.
—
Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
In the short term, that means the West must punish secessionists.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Dodik and other secessionist leaders will realize that nothing is stopping them from dismantling the remaining Bosnian institutions in their territory.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
An Austrian secessionist painted iron center table by Thonet stands atop a circa 1900 Russian Bessarabian wool rug in the two-story entrance hall.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
In the short term, that means the West must punish secessionists.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
Dodik and other secessionist leaders will realize that nothing is stopping them from dismantling the remaining Bosnian institutions in their territory.
—Ismet Fatih Cancar, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025
An Austrian secessionist painted iron center table by Thonet stands atop a circa 1900 Russian Bessarabian wool rug in the two-story entrance hall.
—David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionist
Noun
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According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, last year was the worst year yet for peace in the country since a 2016 deal was struck between the FARC, Colombia’s largest rebel group, and the Colombian state.—
Ladan Anoushfar,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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In 2024, a group of UN experts said that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops were fighting alongside the rebels.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Noun
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This would lead to a situation where remnants of the state are going to be consumed with fighting separatists.—
Nadeen Ebrahim,
CNN Money,
20 June 2025
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China currently refuses to engage with President Lai, with Chinese officials branding him as a separatist and supporter of Taiwan's current status.—
Jan Camenzind Broomby,
NPR,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Lahav emphasized that stringent measures would need to be taken in Israel's outreach to Iranian insurgent groups to avoid creating outcomes with the potential to be just as unfavorable, or even more unfavorable, to national and regional security.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
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Saturday’s bracket gets going with one-time tourney staple UCLA and insurgent Murray State.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionist. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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