religion

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

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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

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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 Morris used both the boys’ athletic abilities and basketball talents, as well as religion, as forms of grooming. Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026 For most of history, the really dangerous philosophical ideas were those that touched on religion and political power. Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026 Candid figure on war, civil rights and religion Beyond the boxing ring, Ali was outspoken about his beliefs when many Black Americans were still fighting to be heard. Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026 Then, the husband and a second neighbor had a verbal altercation, leading to the husband being charged with threatening to commit a crime, and with assault with intent to intimidate based on the victim’s race, religion, color and/or disability. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
Noun
  • This Austrian estate is a cult brand even in Japan, and its red blend of blaufränkisch and Zweigelt is spicy, juicy, cherry-scented and perfect for chilling.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Look no further than the uproar this week over Wegmans, the supermarket chain know n for its cult-like following.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • William James, the godfather of pragmatism, linked the value of faith to currency, spiritual virtue to utility.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • As Mercury and Jupiter clash, someone challenges you to back up your faith with facts!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Their power lies not in persuasion, but in legibility.
    Debbie Millman, Time, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That fosters consensus building, persuasion and accountability.
    Rob Moore, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The store opened in the summer of 2024, before the divisive president’s second election, delighting fans with offering plenty of stickers, clothing, signs and other items to proclaim their devotion.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026
  • No one could trace the secret roots of Skinny Pedro’s devotion to the world of machines.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This creed can be considered a far cry from what happened toward the end of Grier’s tenure in Miami as the former GM seemingly employed the opposite approach.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • There are few things more universally loved for a kid, few items that defy creed, race, religion, the way a bicycle does.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Directed by Sarah Mast, the five-episode docuseries exposes the inner workings of the religious sect, where members carried out mass murders at the behest of their fanatical prophet to target rivals and even LeBaron's own kin.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
  • How to commemorate a religious sect that was unique, tolerant, forward-thinking, unjustly antagonized—but also short-lived, cultish, poorly documented, and fixated on fire and brimstone?
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/religion. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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