pluralism

noun

plu·​ral·​ism ˈplu̇r-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce pluralism (audio)
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
pluralist adjective or noun
pluralistic adjective
pluralistically adverb

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
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.
Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 Jews tend to teach their children to be wary of fascism from a very young age, with its nationalist bombast, its cult of masculinity, its contempt for pluralism and its relentless, bludgeoning lies. Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025 Modi’s embrace of Hindu nationalism and his tilt toward authoritarianism have since stained the country’s reputation for pluralism and democracy. Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 Historian William Dalrymple traces the current sectarian divisions to the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, who shattered the empire’s religious pluralism by trying to impose orthodox Islam on the populace. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pluralism

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pluralism was in 1772

Cite this Entry

“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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