as in faction
a group of people acting together within a larger group
one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sect
The film tells the story of Shakerism—the separatist Christian sect founded by Ann Lee in the mid-18th century.
—
Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
The religious sect at one point had 6,000 followers.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
But this year, Christian leaders across sects—including Catholics, Evangelicals, and Baptists—sounded the alarm on AI’s potential impact on family, human relationships, labor, and the church itself.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 23 Dec. 2025
The fact is, Shakers have not regularly danced in worship since the 1880s – or less than half of the total time the sect has endured.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sect
Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
The religious sect at one point had 6,000 followers.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
But this year, Christian leaders across sects—including Catholics, Evangelicals, and Baptists—sounded the alarm on AI’s potential impact on family, human relationships, labor, and the church itself.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 23 Dec. 2025
The fact is, Shakers have not regularly danced in worship since the 1880s – or less than half of the total time the sect has endured.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sect
Noun
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Inzunza Noriega is accused of being one of three top leaders of the Beltrán Leyva organization, which prosecutors say is a violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
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To stay in power, however, the new ruling faction will need to prevent other factions from gaining power.—
Pedro A. Rojas Arroyo,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Regardless of which party is calling for the impeachment of judges, the outcome is unlikely to result in a conviction by the Senate.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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Labor strikes are not allowed, the leadership has control over the courts and media, and last but not least, opposition to the party is not allowed.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His father, Dixon Ward, played in the NHL as well, and of his 537 career games, 34 were on the wing with the Kings in 1993-94.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Then on the winner, Robertson bore down on his off wing and, before Pavel Zacha could get his stick in the shooting lane, the defenseman snapped off a forehand shot that found the back of the net.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From the left side of the neutral zone, Pastrnak tossed an area pass down the right wing that Zadorov chased down.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
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In a statement provided by Amy Cooper, executive assistant to the superintendent and special projects, the district said it is disappointed the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement after more than a year of negotiations.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sect. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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