separatism

Definition of separatismnext

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 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 Tensions remain high between Canada and India over accusations about Indian government agents being involved in the murder of a Canadian activist for Sikh separatism in British Columbia in 2023. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Trehan’s film does not broach the topic of Sikh separatism, but does feature scenes set in the Canadian parliament. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for separatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separatism
Noun
  • The southern United States under the Jim Crow system of segregation, for example, was governed by a form of racial fascism premised not on a single powerful leader, but on decentralized groups of vigilantes and terrorists.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Jan. 2026
  • While in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance.
    Laura Romero, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Those who showed apostasy rarely got another assignment.
    Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • The diehard climate activists have an orthodoxy from which even the slightest deviation is apostasy.
    Robert G. Eccles, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • His resistance to releasing any more information caused a schism among his supporters (and contributed to the resignation of his longtime ally Marjorie Taylor Greene) and set Congress up for an easy win.
    Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The primary has made a growing schism between progressives and democratic socialists in New York City apparent.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This idea has ample support from broader theories in behavioral ecology, where cooperative interactions within or across species can be stabilized by mechanisms that penalize exploitation or defection.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Abraham Lincoln used pardons to encourage defection from the Confederate cause.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In urging buyers and sellers to consider low-fee agents, the report exposes the misconceptions that lead consumers to accept current commission rates as reasonable and justified.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Despite some outsiders' ideas of the common Amish person's disposition, Bates dismisses any misconceptions about the way she was treated while living in the community.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The second major structural change involves one of the hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 as compared to SARS-CoV-1: initial scission at the S1 furin cleavage site.
    William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 6 May 2022
  • Wilson cautions more work is needed to explain how exactly spin results after scission.
    Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2021

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separatism. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!