Thesaurus results for SECESSIONIST

secessionist

noun

Definition of secessionist

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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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 Analysts sympathetic to Riyadh say Saudi policy is to defend state sovereignty and regional order, accusing Abu Dhabi of empowering secessionists to maintain influence in failing states. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026 The southern Philippines once drew small numbers of foreign militants aligned with the Islamic State group or al-Qaeda to train in a secessionist conflict involving minority Muslims in the largely Catholic nation. — CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025 The southern Philippines once drew small numbers of foreign militants aligned with ISIS or al Qaeda to train in a secessionist conflict involving minority Muslims in the largely Catholic nation. — CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025 There are religiously motivated ones targeting both Christians and Muslims, clashes between farmers and herders over dwindling resources, communal rivalries, secessionist groups and ethnic clashes. — Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secessionist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionist

Noun

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former rebel commander who has served as Syria’s President since 2025, has been outward looking since taking power.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Dozens of rebel and militia groups operate across eastern Congo.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebel

Noun

In 2005, for example, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari brought Indonesian officials together with exiled Acehnese separatist leaders to end a decades-long insurgency in Aceh, a province on Sumatra.

— Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
In the second day of a standoff in Ruby Ridge, Idaho, an FBI sniper opened fire on white separatist Randy Weaver, killing his wife, Vicki.

— USA Today, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of separatist

Noun

When Israeli extremists arrived in Qusra to force Palestinians from their homes, residents hoped the Israel Defense Forces would come to their aid.

— Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2026
Extremists can win blue states, but presidential elections and congressional control are decided in purple states, and America will not elect extremists and socialists.

— Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of extremist

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secerns

secessionist

secessionists

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“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionist. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of secessionist

noun

Example Sentences

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