religion

noun

ri-ˈli-jən How to pronounce religion (audio)
Definition of religionnext
1
as in cult
a body of beliefs and practices regarding the supernatural and the worship of one or more deities the Jewish religion has followers in many parts of the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faith
belief and trust in and loyalty to God without his religion, he would not have been able to survive all the difficulties he has faced over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 religion The novel argues that religion alone cannot define national identity. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026 Faith played an important role in America’s birth, even as the Founding Fathers rejected the idea of a state religion. — Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026 Eventually some came to regard him with a singular reverence—as if public health were a new religion, and Fauci its living idol. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 The group included Protestant, Catholic and Jewish people, but no Muslims or members of other minority religions. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
  1. cult
  2. faith
  3. persuasion
  4. devotion
  5. creed
  6. sect
Noun
  • Their existing hotels have created a cult following, which the Poles have adopted with alacrity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The bold rose perfume is a cult classic and a favorite among Vogue editors, and pop star legends like Madonna.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of cult
Noun
  • Ashton Lansdell is tattooed with reminders of her faith in herself.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Free This annual service brings together affirming faith communities from across the Charlotte region to celebrate inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people.
    — Evan Moore August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of faith
Noun
  • Plan creative variations for persuasion targets, turnout audiences and different demographic groups so targeting is paired with relevant messaging.
    — Kris Qiu, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • VisionSpring relied on persuasion and pilot schemes and built a hyper-efficient 15-minute screening protocol to keep production lines moving.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Definition of persuasion
Noun
  • Physical restoration requires mechanical tools, but true customer devotion demands emotional sanctuary.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The store’s décor may consist of old rugs and retro light fixtures, but Tip Top’s luster comes from its devotion to customer service.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of devotion
Noun
  • This deep integration of business and philanthropy showcases a powerful commitment to community upliftment, serving diverse patrons and embodying a timeless creed of giving back.
    — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • In that scene at the end, when the brass band is playing, and everyone’s walking together, all shapes and sizes, colors, creeds, that’s where hope lives.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Definition of creed
Noun
  • Robertson helped launch Jim Bakker, a minister with Assemblies of God—the largest Pentecostal sect—and his wife, Tammy Faye, who eventually cofounded the rival Trinity Broadcasting Network with their program The PTL Club.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
  • In 1642, the fifth Dalai Lama first unified Tibet by yoking the strength of Mongol forces, who razed the monasteries of rival sects, killing thousands.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of sect

Browse Nearby Words

relights
religion
religionist
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Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/religion. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on religion

Nglish: Translation of religion for Spanish Speakers

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