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 For example, religious leader Joseph Smith, who founded the Mormon religion, was charismatic. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026 Those who said religion would have the greatest impact overwhelmingly supported him, 88%-8%. — Susan Page, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 Since his sentencing, Taylor has received his GED and taken courses on personal finance, public speaking, world religions and drawing. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 Rather than assuming religion must involve churches, scriptures or belief, scholars examine how emerging movements create meaning, authority, community and rituals. — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
Noun
  • Among Barravento’s additional projects in development is an English-language remake of Kanteo Shindo’s cult horror classic Onibaba.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Later, she’s taken in by a tinkerer with a tiny cult, and bonds with another woman there.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The impulse to hate, rather than love, thy neighbor—especially one who practiced a different version of the same faith—was also depressingly strong.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Ali stars as Latif, a devoutly religious hitman who struggles to balance work, faith and fatherhood.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Encouraging Participation Instead Of Persuasion Younger consumers respond to participation, not persuasion.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Now Americans in every state and of every political persuasion this fall will be able to vote by mail, a secure, convenient and growing method that millions chose to exercise the franchise.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • According to industry gossip at the time, the only reason George even released this single was his pure fanboy devotion.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
  • These people love something so much that their devotion mirrors the kind of energy normally reserved for higher stakes.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The seven-word message became the Washington Commanders’ game-day creed in 2024 and has hung around ever since — literally.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Few eras of Greek history compare to the ancient times that the country has become so synonymous with—the cinematic fables of Odysseus, comic-book lore of Leonidas, and philosophic creeds of Socrates are ever-present in pop culture.
    — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The group, known as BAPS, is a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect, a branch of Hinduism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Furthermore, a completely antagonistic sect says that there is nothing there at all – no sky-pie, just a solar myth, a fantastic bit of chanciness, etc.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/religion. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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