as in parochial
not broad or open in views or opinions
there are people on both the left and the right who have staked out unyielding sectarian positions in this debate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in partisan
one who stubbornly or intolerantly adheres to his or her own opinions and prejudices
charged that the work of Congress has been stymied by sectarians who are indifferent to reason and intolerant of compromise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sectarian
CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of President Bashar Assad last year.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 June 2019
Lebanon’s unique sectarian make up and place in the region make its politics about local issues like jobs, infrastructure, and garbage collection as well as about regional rivalries and alliances.
—Ben Hubbard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2018
See All Example Sentences for sectarian
Adjective
Since then, although the situation has calmed, Alawites have been targeted sporadically in sectarian attacks.
—CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
The country has experienced several waves of sectarian clashes since the fall of President Bashar Assad last year.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
Quite the contrary, the image of the cross makes the war memorial sectarian.
—Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 June 2019
Lebanon’s unique sectarian make up and place in the region make its politics about local issues like jobs, infrastructure, and garbage collection as well as about regional rivalries and alliances.
—Ben Hubbard, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2018
See All Example Sentences for sectarian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sectarian
Adjective
-
This aligns with findings from empathy research, which distinguishes between parochial empathy (caring for one’s in-group) and universal empathy (concern for all people).—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Working-class voters visiting a Reform clubhouse were more likely to find young professionals discussing weighty matters of foreign policy rather than parochial issues like street paving.—
Daniel Wortel-London,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Motele, whose parents were murdered by the Nazis, escaped into the forest and joined a group of Jewish partisans.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Jan. 2026
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Even the country’s most panicked partisans wouldn’t put money on Comey serving a day in prison for the serious crimes he’s charged with.—
Marc Novicoff,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Angel went for a respectful middle-of-the-road jab — complimenting her parenting and resilience, but maligning her for being petty.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Who is not petty or vindictive.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The cost for the statue is estimated at $300,000, with half of the funds already raised by two large donations from Rainbow Sandals and Sonance, an audio equipment company based in San Clemente, as well as several smaller community contributions.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
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Despite Jones’ contract only being 50% guaranteed for next season, waiving him for a small amount of savings may not be in the Pacers best interest anyway.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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ClassPass, the fitness subscription service, illustrates how narrow the line can be between improving conversion and alienating users.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Portland was able to build that narrow halftime lead behind a 33-15 advantage from three-point range.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sectarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sectarian. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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