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

Relevance

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 Stern argues the data could help the state better understand antisemitism, educational outcomes, health disparities and other needs among Jews who may go uncounted when Jewish identity is measured only through religion. Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The ethnicity legislation has been a priority among many Jewish groups across the Gold Rush state, who believe that Jewish peoplehood should be tied to far more than just religion — and that the law should reflect this unique relationship. Sharon Udasin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 The story wrestles with the undercurrents of Islamic culture, religion, colonialism, and deep societal pressures. Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Singer’s journey Looking at Parton’s life reveals how a celebrity can incorporate religion into their public persona, without ostracizing admirers from other traditions. Sarah Dees, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for religion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for religion
Noun
  • Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor cinematic experience, has unveiled its spooky lineup for the month of October, where horror fans will be able to watch some of their favorite cult films among the dead at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
    Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ira Gorawara wrote a heartwarming story about how international students land at American colleges and get indoctrinated into the cult of college football.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Instead of anger, she’s leaned heavily on her faith to choose forgiveness.
    Jacob Sisneros, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • But Lombard should have at least the rest of this season to put this concerning streak behind him and prove that Boone’s faith is well placed.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As militaries adapted persuasion techniques from the advertising world, and as former intelligence officials applied their skills to political advertising (as in the case of Cambridge Analytica), the lines have blurred.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In a time when political persuasions divide friends and families, a love for Parton proved to be a unifying force Tuesday on social media, of all places.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In intimate letters, Harp has explained her devotion to the 80-year-old president.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 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
  • Bateman’s small group was an offshoot of the polygamous sect once led by Warren Jeffs.
    Jacques Billaud, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • From 2015 to 2025, the sect’s congregations in Idaho experienced 15 preventable deaths of children, according to ProPublica’s reporting.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 26 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster