SEPARATIST Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

separatist 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of separatist

as in sectarian

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separatist

2 of 2

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 separatist

Adjective

In May, an Alberta court ruled that a separatist petition seeking to trigger the referendum violated Indigenous rights because the province had failed to consult First Nations. — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Yet separatist parties typically drew only 1% or 2% of the vote, former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Noun

Since 2022, the truckers’ protest has morphed into a full-scale separatist movement for the province of Alberta, and the podcasters have now picked up that cause too. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 Ruby Ridge is where white separatist Randy Weaver barricaded himself, his family, and a friend in a remote Idaho cabin after refusing to appear in court on federal weapons charges. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separatist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for separatist

Adjective

In 1976, the Syrian military intervened during Lebanon’s civil war to put an end to sectarian violence.

— Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Carson draws parallels between the familial traumas of those who remain and the broader societal wounds of a province still healing from decades of sectarian violence.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of sectarian

Noun

There, the war stoked longtime secessionist sentiments, fronted chiefly by the Southern Transitional Council -- a bloc that until 2025 held sway in the south and was backed by the United Arab Emirates.

— David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
This week on The Sunday Story, reporter Connor Towne O'Neill takes us inside the movement to split Illinois, and the challenges facing a modern secessionist movement in the land of Lincoln.

— NPR, NPR, 5 July 2026

Definition of secessionist

Adjective

Now there is a schismatic group, called the Mazoos (from Missouri) who say that seeing is, etc.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
The Vatican said the consecrations, carried out without the pope’s approval and therefore in conflict with Catholic law, constituted a schismatic act that severed the society’s communion with Rome.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of schismatic

Noun

Outraged Jewish groups are now demanding organizers answer for bankrolling violent extremists.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The blueprint included the recruitment of mercenaries and exploiting the grievances of disaffected citizens, from religious fanatics and extremists to soccer fans.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of extremist

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“Separatist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/separatist. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of separatist

adjective

noun

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