pluralism
noun
plu·ral·ism
ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the holding of two or more offices or positions (such as benefices) at the same time
2
: the quality or state of being plural
3
a
: a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality
b
: a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4
a
: a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
b
: a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
Examples of pluralism in a Sentence
He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism.
She's a champion of pluralism.
Recent Examples on the Web
What strategies can the environmental justice movement adopt to survive and resist effectively?
Democratic regimes—despite their limitations—offer openings for intervention and change by providing some level of political pluralism, freedom of association, and tolerance for opposition.
—
The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Mar. 2025
Every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama understood that American power was enhanced, not threatened, by attaching it to alliances, institutions, and values that the American people support, such as freedom, pluralism, and humanitarianism.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
This concern — that the center’s tradition of pluralism, free expression and classical art forms is in jeopardy — has dominated conversation about its future.
—Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Hillel, which serves Jewish college students, basically has this statement of radical pluralism.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pluralism
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The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Mar. 2025
Every president from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama understood that American power was enhanced, not threatened, by attaching it to alliances, institutions, and values that the American people support, such as freedom, pluralism, and humanitarianism.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2025
This concern — that the center’s tradition of pluralism, free expression and classical art forms is in jeopardy — has dominated conversation about its future.
—Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Hillel, which serves Jewish college students, basically has this statement of radical pluralism.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pluralism
Cite this Entry
“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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