secessionists

plural of secessionist
as in rebels
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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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 secessionists If nothing is done, the secessionists may achieve success simply for lack of opposition. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionists
Noun
  • The rebels recently seized more territory along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The rebels urged their forces to continue fighting and called on Tigrayans to support them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Gavroche and the insurgents of 1832—the wretched who became rioters—were ready to die defending a particular vision of the republic against the July Monarchy and the usurper Louis-Philippe.
    — Ollivier Pourriol, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Ethiopia also accuses Eritrea of supporting insurgents and occupying Ethiopian territory, allegations the AP could not independently verify.
    — KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Two common types of plastic — polyethylene and polypropylene, used widely to make food containers, packaging, milk jugs and bottle caps — produced the most hydroxyl radicals detected by the researchers.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The riots and looting across France might have been supported by leftist radicals, but National Rally leader Marine Le Pen stands to be the greatest beneficiary when the dust eventually settles.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Muslim students should not be expected to answer for extremists who claim to speak in the name of Islam.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The groups similarly present themselves as armed community defenders against the government or right-wing extremists, but continue to find members who get in trouble with law enforcement.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Secessionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionists. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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