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 This early religion was a kind of technology, an attempt to make order out of chaos. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 Noyes insisted that the selection of potential scholarship recipients should not consider race, gender, political conviction or religion. — Thomas Adam, The Conversation, 16 July 2026 These artists are setting the soundtrack to a cultural shift, driven by Gen Z, back to church, religion and spirituality. — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 His have involved politics, economics, history and religion, so far. — George F. Will, Washington Post, 15 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
  • Some shouted out cult classics like Possession (1981), in which Neill provided the ballast that allowed his co-star Isabelle Adjani the chance to dive headfirst into the deep end, or the Hitchcock thriller on a boat Dead Calm (1989).
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
  • The baroque pearl necklace has become something of a cult accessory, beloved by those who want to express their individuality.
    — Selene Oliva, Glamour, 13 July 2026
Definition of cult
Noun
  • Burnham’s faith is significant given the centuries of legislation and convention that effectively prevented Catholics from becoming prime minister.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Still, Di Novi had a lot of faith in the story from its roots as a novel by Alice Hoffman.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
Definition of faith
Noun
  • The story unfolds as a kind of thriller/procedural as Babs, and her very capable husband Rheal, unleash violence as a precision instrument of power and persuasion.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Remember how giddy everyone of an English persuasion got after that 4-2 victory?
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of persuasion
Noun
  • At the core of what Earth linguistics is to me, is just a devotion to learning more than human language and integrating that into my own language as a way of expanding my conception of the world.
    — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • In a broadly sweet, vivacious and gorgeously sung set Tuesday, that sentiment revealed the moral clarity that bolsters her songs about devotion and intimacy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 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
  • 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
  • Now the 32-year-old is taking to TikTok to share her experiences growing up a in polygamous family that's part of a religious sect.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of religion for Spanish Speakers

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