separatism

noun

Definition of separatismnext
1
as in segregation

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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 Opinion polls indicate that separatism in Alberta lacks broad appeal, however. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 22 May 2026 These tactical innovations have been reinforced by deliberate efforts at broadening the support base for Baloch separatism. — Amira Jadoon, The Conversation, 13 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for separatism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for separatism
  1. segregation
  2. sectarianism
  3. apostasy
  4. schism
  5. defection
  6. misconception
  7. scission
Noun
  • In somewhat bare-bones, cozy settings, Red Lobster became a middle-class family destination, and was welcoming to Black customers at a time when segregation, while outlawed, was still common in much of the American South.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Housing discrimination and segregation were deep-seated, and the Los Angeles sky was the color of swamp water.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of segregation
Noun
  • The pullout, however, leaves a new Iraqi government with the daunting task of loosening Iran’s grip on its neighbor, which has long been trapped in a cycle of sectarianism, foreign meddling and civil conflict.
    — Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sectarianism
Noun
  • Many members of today’s professional class are apostates, and this apostasy is worth taking seriously as a sign of an economic order that cannot seem to justify itself to its own public-relations arm.
    — Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of apostasy
Noun
  • This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The book follows this story for the critical eight years between 1527 and 1535, which led to the enduring schism that created the Church of England.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • Subsequent journalistic and political events—a New York Times editorial, the first Democratic congressional defection, Nancy Pelosi’s television appearance, and George Clooney’s op-ed—repeatedly repriced the contract.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Sensible Carl Laemmle kept above the fray and denied reports that Universal Pictures was considering a defection.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There is a common misconception in cybersecurity that spending a lot on software and AI makes the problem go away on its own.
    — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatism

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