sectarian 1 of 3

sectarian

2 of 3

noun (1)

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

sectarianism

3 of 3

noun (2)

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 sectarian
Adjective
As a result, the sectarian world is going up in flames. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 In 2023, for example, peace ambassadors gathered in Barkin Ladi, another community in Plateau state known for violent sectarian conflict. Nathaniel Bivan, Christian Science Monitor, 27 May 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
  • In his quest for a definitive biography of Joyce as a cosmopolitan artist, above the parochial fray, Ellmann downplayed Joyce’s interest in politics.
    Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 16 June 2025
  • Rather, Colbert won after knocking, by his count, on 20,000 doors, wearing out several pairs of size 15 shoes and putting parochial concerns, such as wildfire prevention, disaster preparedness and flood control, at the center of his campaign.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The film is described as an intense drama about two Palestinian refugees living in Athens, caught between petty scams and the hope of a better life in Germany.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 June 2025
  • In the end, what started as a petty doormat rivalry has turned into something much more joyful.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The veteran would be a small upgrade in the outfield for the Padres.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Romero gave chase down a narrow alley where Biddle said Sartor turned and fired, striking Romero in the right arm.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • In more challenging games, however, the side often flatters to deceive and occasionally slips up, as a narrow 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors and 0-1 loss to Benfica showed.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sectarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sectarian. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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