universalism

noun

uni·​ver·​sal·​ism ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-sə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce universalism (audio)
1
often capitalized
a
: a theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved
b
: the principles and practices of a liberal Christian denomination founded in the 18th century originally to uphold belief in universal salvation and now united with Unitarianism
2
: something that is universal in scope
3
: the state of being universal : universality
universalist noun or adjective often capitalized

Examples of universalism 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.
That’s a fundamental aspect of Judaism, not a religious aspect but a link with universalism, with historicity. Armond White, National Review, 6 Sep. 2024 This conception, rooted in Hegelian universalism, takes a view of historical progress that sees liberalism as history’s natural endpoint and the destiny of human government. Nathan Levine, Foreign Affairs, 30 Aug. 2023 Because of poetry’s universalism, the philosopher continues, the passage of time enriches it rather than making it out of date. Robyn Creswell, The New York Review of Books, 7 Oct. 2021 Liberal states and activists must tone down their legalism, moralism, and universalism. Jack Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for universalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of universalism was in 1722

Dictionary Entries Near universalism

Cite this Entry

“Universalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universalism. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on universalism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!