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.
Related Words
Relevance
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 secessionist
Watch The Fall Guy on Amazon Prime Video Civil War
In this A24 dystopian thriller, America is mired in a brutal civil war between a dictatorial federal government and secessionist factions.
—
James Mercadante, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
One of the American men involved has made a list of Trump supporters in Greenland, with the goal of later recruiting them to establish a secessionist movement on the island, according to the broadcaster.
—Henrik Pettersson, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
As analysts have previously told Newsweek, even those critical of the Islamic Republic often rally behind the central government in the face of external threats and secessionist movements.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Juneteenth commemorates the complete enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved African Americans in secessionist states – signed by former President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
James Mercadante, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
One of the American men involved has made a list of Trump supporters in Greenland, with the goal of later recruiting them to establish a secessionist movement on the island, according to the broadcaster.
—Henrik Pettersson, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
As analysts have previously told Newsweek, even those critical of the Islamic Republic often rally behind the central government in the face of external threats and secessionist movements.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Juneteenth commemorates the complete enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved African Americans in secessionist states – signed by former President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionist
Noun
-
Alcalá has pleaded guilty to collaborating with Colombia’s FARC rebels.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The rebels also cited the need to take out the massive scam operations as justification for their offensive – which analysts say China likely greenlit.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Then gas deliveries resumed only to Transnistria, the pro-Russian separatist enclave in Moldova’s east.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
-
At the end of April 2022, the Russian army moved the Kuindzhi Art Museum's entire collection to a museum in the capital of the Donetsk People's Republic, a separatist and politically unrecognized territory annexed by Russia.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jahmai Jones’ two-run single in the top of the fifth proved the difference, punching Detroit’s ticket to the playoffs and ensuring the Tigers would go into Game 162 with a chance to claw back the AL Central title from the insurgent Cleveland Guardians on the final day of the regular season.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Labels matter Security analysts say the situation in Haiti continues to defy clear international legal characterization and the choice of labels – crisis, armed conflict, gangs, terrorist groups, armed groups, criminal groups, insurgents – carries significant legal and humanitarian implications.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nor did Trump mention that attacks by right-wing extremists are more frequent and deadly.—
Laura Yuen,
Mercury News,
24 Sep. 2025
-
In Bangladesh, the demise of Hasina’s regime has emboldened religious extremists.—
Kapil Komireddi,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionist. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share