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 In addition to its philosophical message, the collection features moving personal accounts of camaraderie, faith and religion, loss, and hope. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 The same principle applies to debates about religion, economics and virtually any subject capable of provoking strong emotions. — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 Communism was, of course, a quasi-religion in its own right, and Seghers saw the need for saviors and martyrs. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Sons of the Apocalypse Deep Com Roots Former Jehovah’s Witness Becky leaves her closed religious community and travels from Spain to New York after falling for an outsider to her religion. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
Noun
  • The release arrives in the 25th anniversary year of Shaolin Soccer, which became Hong Kong’s highest-grossing local film upon its 2001 release before developing a global cult following.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Big Tech platforms in 2022 were all massively profitable but maturing, run by CEOs imbued with the cult of the founder.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Created in the 17th century, Japan’s Fujiko faith fuses Shinto and esoteric Buddhism in its reverence for Mount Fuji, the country’s highest peak.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Whether faith can be justified on any terms but its own is an epistemological question beyond this columnist’s understanding.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For generations, Americans of every political persuasion have chosen to safeguard extraordinary places for everyone who would come after them.
    — Mary Beth Laughton, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Much of the public conversation has focused on persuasion, and this number suggests that isn’t where the biggest gap is.
    — Christina Sass, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The new version centers on Dalin, a single mother who designs bridal gowns and whose devotion to her job has opened a gap between her and her 10-year-old daughter Mina.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Like Wilde, Basil possesses an idealistic devotion to beauty and love that proves his undoing.
    — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 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
  • Featuring a mixture of stop-motion and 2D animation, the movie functions as a surrealist fairy-tale propaganda film produced by the leader of a fictional religious sect that uses the media as a form method for indoctrinating his followers.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The sect had at least 15 avoidable deaths among children from 2015 through 2025, according to healthcare professionals who reviewed their records for ProPublica.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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