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
  • Morrison helped lead the racist white supremacy campaign of 1898 that terrorized Black citizens and led to policies of segregation, The Observer previously reported.
    — Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • Well, thank God the Dodgers broke baseball’s longstanding tradition of segregation long before Roberts, who is Black and Japanese American, was born!
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 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
  • Lowe used to be a member of a much larger and more popular right-wing populist party, Nigel Farage’s Reform, but he was forced out in an enjoyably catty and melodramatic schism after calling for mass deportations.
    — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of schism
Noun
  • And in committees, one GOP defection can typically sink a nominee from advancing to the full chamber.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
  • Not too shabby for a man who was roundly ridiculed for his defection from LaLiga in 2007.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • The complaint also alleges that the companies failed to adopt alternative designs and perpetuated the misconception that plastic filters are biodegradable or can be disposed of in public without significant consequence.
    — Reeti Malhotra July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • The biggest misconception about building a global brand is that scale automatically creates relevance.
    — Teja Chekuri, Forbes.com, 22 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatism

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