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 Himalayan peak in southwestern Tibet holds sacred significance for several religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026 But for many others, fantasy football is more like a religion than a slot machine. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 The proposal doesn’t impact schools that select students based on religion. — Greg Iacurci,jessica Dickler, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026 The findings add archaeological support to details described in the Gospel of John, said Douglas Estes, associate professor of religion at New College of Florida. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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
  • Of course, by their very definition, cult films almost always flop upon release then slowly build a devoted following whose passion seems to grow in inverse proportion to any original rejection by mainstream audiences.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In the sequel, set 25 years after the 1998 cult classic, Joey King and Maisie Williams replace Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip as the daughters of Bullock’s Sally Owens.
    — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of cult
Noun
  • Muslim leaders and community members, in turn, told the USA TODAY Network they’re left fighting to defend their faith and warning the nation that its founding principles are at stake.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Most people don’t have a lot of faith in the 2026 Miami Dolphins.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of faith
Noun
  • As militaries adapted persuasion techniques from the advertising world, and as former intelligence officials applied their skills to political advertising (as in the case of Cambridge Analytica), the lines have blurred.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a time when political persuasions divide friends and families, a love for Parton proved to be a unifying force Tuesday on social media, of all places.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of persuasion
Noun
  • The British media devoured the story, as even then Day-Lewis was synonymous with intense devotion to his craft.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As Anna covers for Fyodor’s addiction and increasingly unstable professional behavior, her devotion starts to look poisonous for them both.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 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
  • This sect of floor lamp marries lighting with elevated function thanks to a side table affixed to the base that can balance smaller knick knacks.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bateman’s small group was an offshoot of the polygamous sect once led by Warren Jeffs.
    — Jacques Billaud, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sect

Browse Nearby Words

relights
religion
religionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/religion. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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