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 Luk grew up without religion, but many childhood friends were religious and invited her to churches and youth groups. Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 The Miami Herald spoke with several shop owners who expressed concern about rising costs but refused to go on the record, many citing the stigma surrounding the religion and misconceptions about practitioners. Delia Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 The influence of religion in public life has gradually declined in recent years, particularly among younger people and in urban areas. ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 In most variants this new religious movement can be regarded as a modern Pagan religion, but its eclectic and open-minded ethos means that it is also followed by members of other religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity. Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
Noun
  • The former eventually achieved cult classic status thanks to home video while the latter still feels terminally unappreciated.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring local cult heroes Isobel Fox and Will Menaker in key supporting roles.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Several Democratic candidates talk openly about how their faith shaped them.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Lowry, 61, has kept his mental health sharp through his unwavering faith and consistent workouts.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • To qualify, students must place first or second in the university division of persuasion at their state tournament.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Job seekers with transferable skills in persuasion, negotiation, and relationship management should target these areas, highlighting measurable achievements.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Other rules stem from Xi’s signature anti-corruption campaign and demand for absolute devotion to the ruling Communist Party.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After a few weeks, Nikki’s acts of devotion escalate, including cooking his cat in a disturbing attempt to support his dream of becoming a food critic.
    Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
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
Noun
  • Grand jury testimony portrayed the shooting as a culmination of a longstanding feud between rival record labels — Death Row Records and Bad Boy Records — and rival gang sects Mob Piru and South Side Compton Crips.
    Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The initial proposal, debated since 2019, has exposed sectarian tensions among the country’s multitude of Islamic and Christian sects.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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