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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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
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That's partly because eastern Congo is also battling ongoing violence from rebels.
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That’s partly because eastern Congo is also battling ongoing violence from rebels.
Noun
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Ocasio-Cortez, who may be eyeing a House leadership role or Senate bid, has stayed out of key New York City-area House races, unlike Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Sanders, who are backing insurgents trying to oust incumbents.
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Two very different—and very close—insurgents Warshaw’s path to this race runs through the places where New York’s biggest problems actually live.
Noun
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Where are the voices of all the mainstream Democrats in response to the takeover by the radicals in the Democratic Party today?
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The one in which his tiny team of negotiators surrendered to the radicals ruling that luckless nation.
Noun
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Opportunists like the daycare group, which was selling weapons, and extremists — not the hobbyists.
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Many of these decisions were made so Netanyahu could retain the support of the far-right extremists keeping him in power and avoid a possible jail sentence on corruption charges.
Cite this Entry
“Secessionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionists. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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