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 China has long accused the Dalai Lama of promoting separatism. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Both countries depend on each other to stifle Kurdish separatism. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 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 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
  • Through Jim Crow segregation and the Civil Rights era, those leaders were nearly all Democrats.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Through Jim Crow segregation and the civil rights era, those leaders were nearly all Democrats.
    — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 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
  • But Valdez suggested such schisms within the party would likely take a backseat to unity on domestic concerns like economic issues and immigration.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The schism would go on to shape the future of journalism from the newsletter economy all the way up to the highest echelons of Hollywood and television news after Weiss was appointed editor in chief of CBS News last year.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • His razor thin majority meant even one Republican defection meant GOP priorities were at risk.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Having won despite relentless Islamophobic attacks, controversy over the Democratic Socialist’s opinion on Israel, and the defection of his primary rival Stevens, El-Sayed will become America’s first Muslim Senator.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • There are already too many misconceptions surrounding Socialism and social democracy.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But they could also be described as misconceptions, misunderstandings, or straight up bad information.
    — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on separatism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatism

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