separatism

noun

Definition of separatismnext
1
as in segregation

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in sectarianism

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Dissimilar Words

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 Lance Taylor was enamored with the separatism of the Black Panthers. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026 Amid the Cold War, Indonesian leaders feared that an independent East Timor would fuel separatism and fall under communist influence. — Agathe Demarolle, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 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 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
  • King joined faith leaders and civil rights advocates from across the country to honor those who challenged housing segregation, racial injustice and systemic inequality decades ago.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In her order, Sykes barred the government from placing detainees in administrative segregation unless doing so was necessary to address a security threat to staff or the facility, or if a detainee requested it.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 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
  • Millions of pilgrims converge on the holy city of Karbala, south of Baghdad, for Arbaeen, the 40th day of mourning for the killing of Imam Hussein 14 centuries ago, a definitive event in the schism between Shia and Sunni Islam.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 July 2026
  • To waste all these resources on some esoteric arty thing, that’s when the schism started to happen for me.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • If James’ defection seems destined to peel casual NBA viewers away from the Lake Show, the subsequent heightened interest for the teams repping the I-95 megalopolis should go a long way toward helping shore up the league’s national deliveries.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026
  • Gang Seong brings Ri Eung-ryeong back to North Korea, where he is presumably punished for his defection.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • This is one of the most common misconceptions that beginner foragers have about types of edible mushrooms.
    — Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The misconception is that high-efficiency equipment alone ensures an efficient home; however, the entire system, including ductwork and building enclosure, must work together.
    — Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatism

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