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
The program is free and non-sectarian and aims to give kids an adult role model who may help to fill a void in their lives. Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025 These same groups later carried out many of the grisly sectarian massacres of Alawite civilians along Syria’s coastal Latakia province in March, which killed at least 1,479, mostly civilians, following attacks by remnants of the former Assad regime. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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 week, in parochial and Christian schools across Chicago and the suburbs, schoolchildren filed into pews with their classmates to observe church services ahead of the school day.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025
  • Funded by political parties and subscribers, such papers were thoroughly partisan and parochial.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a trip to 2099, with Star Amerasu’s hysterical and clever social-media videos set in our very petty future.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The film explores the petty jealousies and power dynamics that fuel the group of interchangeable young men in Oliver’s orbit, as Matthew gradually becomes famous by association and fights to stay relevant.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Even if advised by a manufacturer, the marble cleaning solution should still be tested on a small, inconspicuous area before getting started.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Her list continues with small but frustrating oversights.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • They’re also made with arch support and a toe box that’s not too narrow or crammed, per the brand, plus the rubber sole offers a nice cushioned platform with each step.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With Republicans holding only a narrow majority, the outcomes could shape the balance of power heading into 2026.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sectarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sectarian. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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