secularism

noun

Definition of secularismnext
as in atheism

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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 secularism Ironically, both Nietzsche and Keller argued that the moral values of secularism do not originate in scientific reasoning but rather in Christianity. — James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 The 1979 revolution led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic, which clamped down on secularism. — Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 23 Mar. 2026 In November Bangladesh adopted a constitution that promoted secularism, freedom of religion, and a parliamentary system. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026 For her Rassemblement National, French secularism stands central—the engagement undermines republican values. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secularism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secularism
  1. atheism
  2. unbelief
Noun
  • Beginning in the 1870s, atheism and indifference to religion became popular, especially among younger intellectuals.
    — David Mislin, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • Soviet atheism failed to erase it.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Definition of atheism
Noun
  • My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments.
    — Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But the indirect benefits seem to reflect a posture against green energy, related to unbelief in climate change, and these lead to support for inefficient energy alternatives like nuclear and geothermal and gas-fired turbines.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of unbelief

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“Secularism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secularism. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on secularism

Nglish: Translation of secularism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about secularism

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