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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Israel has stepped up strikes against Syria despite pressure from the US, which has made moves to end the country’s international isolation following the rebel takeover.—
Eyad Kourdi,
CNN Money,
17 July 2025
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The Times of Israel reported that both ships were attacked over a week ago by the rebels as part of their campaign targeting vessels over the war in Gaza.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
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The Nobel laureate is regarded as one of the world’s most influential religious leaders, with a following that extends well beyond Buddhism, but not by Beijing, which calls him a separatist and has sought to bring the faith under its control.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
6 July 2025
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No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but ethnic Baloch separatists, who frequently target security forces and civilians in the region, are likely to be blamed.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Prod: María Isabel Páramo, Iván García) One of the biggest swings among BAM projects, set in 1996 Colombia, as the country succumbs to bloody insurgent warfare.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
15 July 2025
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Delegates followed that recommendation, rejecting a number of insurgent candidates.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionist. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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