relativism
noun
rel·a·tiv·ism
ˈre-lə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 
1
a
: a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing
b
: a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
2
Examples of relativism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But Freeman’s three-year project hasn’t been based on relativism.
—
Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
After the Realpolitik relativism of the Vietnam and the Nixon eras, Carter committed himself to diplomacy, deferred to international norms and elevated human rights into a priority of American foreign policy.
—Jane Harman, TIME, 30 Dec. 2024
Furthermore, the proliferation of social media has created a culture of relativism, where truth is subjective and facts are optional.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 10 Dec. 2024
In their novels, punditry, sociology, and journalism, their specific critiques varied—Bloom, for instance, criticized the modern university for its moral relativism, Wolfe for its obsession with status.
—Adrian Daub / Made By History, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for relativism 
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.
Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
After the Realpolitik relativism of the Vietnam and the Nixon eras, Carter committed himself to diplomacy, deferred to international norms and elevated human rights into a priority of American foreign policy.
—Jane Harman, TIME, 30 Dec. 2024
Furthermore, the proliferation of social media has created a culture of relativism, where truth is subjective and facts are optional.
—Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 10 Dec. 2024
In their novels, punditry, sociology, and journalism, their specific critiques varied—Bloom, for instance, criticized the modern university for its moral relativism, Wolfe for its obsession with status.
—Adrian Daub / Made By History, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for relativism
Dictionary Entries Near relativism
Cite this Entry
“Relativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relativism. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share