secularism

noun

sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈse-kyə-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
: indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations
secularist noun
secularist adjective
or less commonly secularistic

Examples of secularism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The bill purports to defend the principle of laïcité, or the secularism embodied in the French constitution and legal framework. Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Putin believes in authoritarianism, in a strong Russian state, in the rehabilitation of the country’s Soviet past, and in a Russian civilization that is superior to a West corrupted by secularism and individualism. Rich Lowry, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 His Hindu nationalist party has sought to turn India – a nation constitutionally bound to secularism – into a Hindu rashtra, or homeland for the Hindu majority, critics say, at the expense of the millions who profess minority faiths. Aishwarya S Iyer, CNN, 10 Feb. 2025 The case generated a media storm, pitting the values of women’s liberation and secularism against murky fears of Islamist terrorism. Arundhati Katju, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2020 See All Example Sentences for secularism

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secularism was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Secularism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secularism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

secularism

noun
sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
: the belief that religion and religious considerations should be ignored
secularist noun
secularist adjective
also secularistic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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