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 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
  • 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
  • But schisms and heel digging are probably inevitable in such uncertain fields, Catling says.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 15 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
  • There’s a common misconception that tree roots should always be buried deep underground.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Contrary to common misconceptions, studying for the SHSAT doesn’t have to be expensive.
    — Wai Wah Chin, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 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 discreet

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

7 Great Ways to Say 'Great'

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
name tags
Words Named After People Quiz Find out who’s behind "leotard," "morphine," an...
See All