as in faction
a group of people acting together within a larger group
one sect of medical researchers holds the minority view that the disease is not caused by that virus
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Recent Examples of sect
Out of this ethical fog has risen a Silicon Valley theology, split into warring sects.
—
Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
The hair-whipping, chest-thumping church founder uprooted her polarizing sect from Manchester, England, to Manhattan before fleeing farther still into the countryside.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Based on the true legend of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, the film traces the life of Lee, who after losing four children in infancy, became celibate and created a religious movement based in music and dayslong dance rituals.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Africa’s biggest Shiite Muslim sect, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, staged protests over the attacks on Shiite-majority Iran.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sect
Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 18 Mar. 2026
The hair-whipping, chest-thumping church founder uprooted her polarizing sect from Manchester, England, to Manhattan before fleeing farther still into the countryside.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Based on the true legend of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers, the film traces the life of Lee, who after losing four children in infancy, became celibate and created a religious movement based in music and dayslong dance rituals.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, Africa’s biggest Shiite Muslim sect, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, staged protests over the attacks on Shiite-majority Iran.
—Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sect
Noun
-
Loosely aligned factions have operated under its name, allowing the organization to expand and adapt even as authorities targeted its leadership.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Syria policy and sanctions questions The report also examines Turkey’s role in Syria, where the country backed opposition forces during the civil war, supporting a range of armed factions, including groups that later formed the Syrian National Army.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The grandiose space’s massive stage and high-caliber lighting rigs promise extravagant parties and ceremonies that will light up the city’s social calendar.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Brimming with stone and natural light, the interior is calming yet possesses grandeur worthy of glamorous parties.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Piker is one of the few prominent left-wing voices operating in digital spaces where young men congregate.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Freshman wing Clara Bielefeld also stands at 6-4 after arriving from Germany.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Being gentle with yourself is a form of bravery, so go ahead and indulge your softer side.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Woods, 50, had to climb out of the passenger's side door of his Land Rover in the wake of the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island, because the car had flipped onto its side after clipping the trailer attached to a pickup truck driving in front of him, according to the arrest report.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sect. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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