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
  • Tens of thousands have been killed and millions displaced as pro-democracy groups and ethnic rebels battle the military across the country.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Conflict began in the country in 2013 after mostly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then President François Bozizé to quit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The attack occurred in Mastung, a district in Balochistan province where separatist insurgents have stepped up attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • One of the insurgents, a doctoral student in sociology named Darializa Avila Chevalier, is far more emblematic of the DSA’s radicalism.
    James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • During the nineteenth century, an older form of abolitionism was led by Black radicals.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
  • In the early days of the republic, there were many radicals and reformers who shared my suspicion that patriotism was an evasion, substituting songs and speeches about liberty for the reality.
    Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • The following day, the state added him to its official register of terrorists and extremists, a designation that obliges Russian banks to freeze his assets.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • More than four decades later, Kinnock’s actions remain among the most memorable examples of a political leader confronting extremists on his own side.
    James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

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“Secessionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionists. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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