1
as in segregation
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as in sectarianism
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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.
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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
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
Noun
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People from throughout the nation come to the former all-Black school building to learn about this nation's history of school segregation and the landmark court case that banned it in 1954.
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At the center of that legacy is the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, where generations of Black entrepreneurs, musicians and residents built a thriving cultural and business community during segregation.
Noun
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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.
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Dara Shikoh was accused of apostasy from Islam and tried under religious authority.
Noun
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Hussein’s killing cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.
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Hussein’s killing is seen as having cemented the schism between Sunnis and Shiites, which stems from the early days of Islam and arguments over Muhammad’s successors as caliph, or leader.
Noun
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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.
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In replacing Bowman as GM during the 1986-87 season, Meehan oversaw numerous franchise-changing moves, including Mogilny’s defection from the Soviet Union in 1989.
Noun
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The biggest misconception about the trade has been thinking George is washed as a player.
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Byrd shared the story behind her longtime misconception while speaking with Jess Rothschild in a bonus episode of Finding Fire Island.
Noun
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When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.
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The structure is easily broken down in a reaction called scission (like scissors), which tears up the polymer chain.
Cite this Entry
“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separatism. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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