separatism

noun

Definition of separatismnext
1
as in segregation

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2
as in sectarianism

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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 separatism One factor that could help Washington guide Tehran’s direction is the historical behavior of Iranian Azeris, who – unlike the country’s other minorities – have pursued integration and agency within the state rather than separatism. — Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 The stance aligns with China’s own sensitivities over sovereignty and separatism. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026 In contrast to other, more mainstream Civil Rights organizations, SNCC leaders began to emphasize Black separatism, which alienated white participants. — Time, 7 Aug. 2025 Lubchansky’s sophomore graphic novel explores the limits of utopian separatism, the downsides to trying to work against an oppressive system from the inside, and how communities can defend themselves and win. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for separatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separatism
  1. segregation
  2. apostasy
  3. schism
  4. defection
  5. misconception
  6. scission
Noun
  • When Johnson launched Johnson Products in 1954, Black businesses faced segregation and exclusion.
    — Deloris Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • DeVriese-Sebilla said those attitudes had lasting consequences for Argentine, describing housing segregation as one of the community’s greatest historical challenges.
    — Michelle Oliva-Espinosa, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
Definition of segregation
Noun
  • When every disagreement with Israeli government policy became, in your telling, the first step toward apostasy?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 July 2026
  • Marc makes an example of the penitent, powerless Jeanne, reminding the rest of his flock of the punishment for apostasy and using her rough time among the heathens as proof of why none under his control should ever want to trade his order for such modern sin and depravity.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Definition of apostasy
Noun
  • The Vatican declared the group of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in schism after the SSPX consecrated four bishops in Switzerland without Pope Leo XIV’s approval this month.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • The Vatican said dialogue was offered to the ​group ahead of the schism and that the step of ordaining ​bishops without ⁠church approval was considered so grave that excommunication was automatic.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • Not too shabby for a man who was roundly ridiculed for his defection from LaLiga in 2007.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
  • South Korea took a soldier from the North into custody after the individual crossed the heavily fortified border this week in what is believed to be a defection, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • There is a misconception that the biggest problem is concussions, Alosco said.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
  • The idea that top athletes from American football or basketball could simply transition to soccer and dominate is a misconception, as the sport prioritizes agility and creativity over sheer size or power.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of misconception
Noun
  • When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2021
  • The structure is easily broken down in a reaction called scission (like scissors), which tears up the polymer chain.
    — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 5 Aug. 2020
Definition of scission

Browse Nearby Words

separations
separatism
separatisms
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Cite this Entry

“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separatism. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatism

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