reformation

noun

ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce reformation (audio)
Synonyms of reformationnext
1
: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed
2
Reformation : a 16th century religious movement marked ultimately by rejection or modification of some Roman Catholic doctrine and practice and establishment of the Protestant churches
reformational
ˌre-fər-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce reformation (audio)
adjective

Examples of reformation in a Sentence

the reformation of our justice system
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.
But this begs the parallel question of what the current museum architecture arises from and reflects, and why the oceanic and the oligarchic logics of the museum’s reformation now travel together here. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Reformation made its debut last month, raising a total of $211 million, including $69 million for investors, like its private equity backer Permira. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026 Reformation Here’s the tea, Reformation doesn’t have a permanent sale section. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 Reformation’s annual Summer Sale is finally here, and, as per usual, sizes are already selling out. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reformation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reformation was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing reformation

Rhymes for reformation

See All Rhymes for reformation

Browse Nearby Words

reformate
reformation
reformational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reformation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reformation

noun
ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌref-ər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce reformation (audio)
1
: the act of reforming : the state of being reformed
2
capitalized : a 16th century series of religious actions which led to establishment of the Protestant churches
reformational
-shnəl How to pronounce reformation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Legal Definition

reformation

noun
ref·​or·​ma·​tion ˌre-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce reformation (audio)
: the act or an instance of reforming
specifically : the equitable remedy of reforming a writing (as a deed or contract) and enforcing it as reformed

Note: Reformation is allowed primarily to correct mistakes such as typographical errors or incorrectly chosen words. Occasionally reformation is permitted in cases of fraud or misrepresentation. Clear and convincing evidence of the mistake and of the intended agreement is usually required; sometimes parol evidence is sufficient to establish the agreement. This remedy is not applicable to wills.

More from Merriam-Webster on reformation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reformation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reformation

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