separation of church and state

noun phrase

: the act or state of keeping government and religion separate from each other

Examples of separation of church and state 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.
Critics argued the required reading list promotes Christianity over religious diversity and civil rights while blurring the constitutional separation of church and state. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026 Critics say the reading list lacks diversity, blurs the separation of church and state that is enshrined in the Constitution and leaves teachers and students with little room to decide what to read. ABC News, 26 June 2026 The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list of over critics who argued the titles lacked diversity and and blurs the separation of church and state. CBS News, 26 June 2026 The First Amendment was written by Christian men with honor, integrity and understanding who unanimously established the separation of church and state, which was supported by President George Washington. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for separation of church and state

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separation of church and state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separation%20of%20church%20and%20state. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

separation of church and state

: the separation of religion and government mandated under the establishment clause and the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution that forbids governmental establishment or preference of a religion and that preserves religious freedom from governmental intrusion
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster