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 But their relationship went downhill once again when Rodgers made some dicey comments about his parents’ religion in 2020. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026 If Vance now recognizes his comments as churlish, lacking in charity, and utterly unlikely to persuade voters, much less witness to the sublime truths of the Christian religion, good for him. — Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026 Speaking of going back to its roots, did anyone else here notice NASCAR really leaning into religion this weekend? — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 There were plenty of other missionaries, in plenty of other colonies, with plenty of other health issues, spreading religion and the soft arm of imperialism. — Literary Hub, 20 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
  • François-Paul Journe has become the hottest independent watchmaker alive, with a cult following that has expanded rapidly over the past decade.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 July 2026
  • Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha became an unlikely cult hero at 40, attracting millions of social media followers.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 20 July 2026
Definition of cult
Noun
  • This could begin to erode Americans’ faith that inflation will eventually slow toward the Fed’s 2% annual target.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • The Sun in your 9th House of Exploration trines Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity, linking learning, travel, teaching, faith, and self-expression.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
Definition of faith
Noun
  • These rifts were mirrored at the École, where students argued about politics and split into groups according to their leftist persuasions.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
  • Almost a third of voters, or 32%, were undecided, however, suggesting there is room for persuasion as the administration moves ahead with its plans.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 20 July 2026
Definition of persuasion
Noun
  • But Cricket resists this vision, preferring a more solitary idea of artistic devotion, and the story’s sympathies lean in his direction.
    — Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
  • But The Odyssey is the first time his devotion to the literal Real has been wielded so effectively.
    — Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on religion

Nglish: Translation of religion for Spanish Speakers

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