separatism

noun

Definition of separatismnext
1
as in segregation

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in sectarianism

Related Words

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 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
  • In 1954, the Supreme Court overturned its 1896 decision that upheld racial segregation.
    — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • Or even just 62 years to the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of segregation
Noun
  • 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
  • Dara Shikoh was accused of apostasy from Islam and tried under religious authority.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of apostasy
Noun
  • 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
  • Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • 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
  • But there have also been a number of high-profile defections and sporting tensions, such as Iran’s only female Olympic medallist, Kimia Alizadeh, leaving the country in 2020.
    — Tamara Davison, Wired News, 17 June 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • Steve Cross, real estate development director on the project for Costco, told the first wave that there are a lot of misconceptions out there about what a business center will entail.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
  • Products Have Become Souvenirs One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the experience economy is that consumers are replacing products with experiences.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separatism. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about 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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of xeric

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All