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.
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 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
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
-
De la Espriella, who has never before held public office, also promises to sever peace talks with armed groups and unleash a full-on offensive against rebels.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
The Rosin Box Project, a collective of ballet rebels who dance en pointe to the beat of different choreographers, is inviting audiences to experience a before-and-after production this week.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
The primary race has been described as a potential sleeper for progressive insurgents looking to build on the remarkable long-shot victory of Mayor Mamdani in last year’s race for City Hall.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
-
The insurgents have frequently targeted security forces, government installations and civilians in the province and elsewhere in the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
In the North, the Republicans were split between moderates and radicals, while the Democrats were split between loyal Unionists and conservatives who preferred peace to a bloody war that pivoted on abolition.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
26 May 2026
-
The data shows that the veterans are actually the radicals.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
And when Khomeini broke that promise, my father was one of the first to stand up to him and the extremists who hijacked that revolution.—
Letters to the Editor,
Washington Post,
2 June 2026
-
But Raman’s walked quite the tightrope of being a DSA’er who talks like a back-to-basics liberal while also hanging out with left-wing extremists like Hasan Piker.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Daily News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Secessionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionists. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
