as in factions
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
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Recent Examples of sects
And Hezbollah, as the most heavily armed and violent element of Lebanon’s menagerie of factions and sects, wanted the guns without the responsibility.
—
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
In Chinese myths, being an immortal can sort of feel like being a government employee — celestial bureaucracies make decisions that affect both the heavenly and mortal realms, and leaders of different immortal sects can engage in power plays and politics.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
In Chinese myths, being an immortal can sort of feel like being a government employee — celestial bureaucracies make decisions that affect both the heavenly and mortal realms, and leaders of different immortal sects can engage in power plays and politics.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sects
Noun
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However, Abusin is hopeful that, through the success of the national team, common ground can be reached between the rival SAF and RSF factions.—
Rory Fleming,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
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An escape plan is hatched, leading to a breaking of factions, betrayals, and a shocking confrontation.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Big-name candidates and national attention are shifting the political dynamics of gubernatorial races across the country, posing challenges and opportunities for both parties.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Sep. 2025
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Why is this a big move from both parties?—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sects. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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