reconstructionism

noun

re·​con·​struc·​tion·​ism ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce reconstructionism (audio)
often capitalized
1
: a movement in 20th century American Judaism that advocates a creative adjustment to contemporary conditions through the cultivation of traditions and folkways shared by all Jews
2
: advocacy of post-Civil War Reconstruction

Examples of reconstructionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Neopaganism’s various branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, a religion that focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. Alyssa Beall, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023 For Joseph, the First Reconstruction established the central tension between reconstructionism and redemptionism, a tension that encapsulates our national moment. Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022 Third Reconstruction resumes this struggle, with the most violent clash between reconstructionism and redemptionism in decades. Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022 Epstein has some respect for reconstructionism, which can be traced back to ancient philosophy. Samuel Goldman, The Week, 27 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconstructionism was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near reconstructionism

Cite this Entry

“Reconstructionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstructionism. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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