secularism

noun

sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈse-kyə-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
Synonyms of secularism
: indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations
secularist
ˈse-kyə-lə-rist How to pronounce secularism (audio)
noun
secularist adjective
or less commonly secularistic
ˌse-kyə-lə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce secularism (audio)

Examples of secularism 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.
The formation of modern secular states in Egypt, Iran, and Turkey in the early twentieth century was preceded, in the late nineteenth century, by a rise in the popularity of liberalism, constitutionalism, nationalism, and secularism. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Does Norway have an active right wing intent on weakening secularism and the state’s power to intervene in family matters? — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026 This is especially the case within the context of French secularism, or laïcité, wherein public expressions of religiosity might have made people upset. — Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 But the choice was criticized by supporters of France’s strict form of secularism in public life based on a 1905 law separating church and state. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secularism

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secularism was in 1851

Rhymes for secularism

See All Rhymes for secularism

Browse Nearby Words

secularise
secularism
secularist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secularism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secularism. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

secularism

noun
sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
: the belief that religion and religious considerations should be ignored
secularist
-rəst How to pronounce secularism (audio)
noun
secularist adjective
also secularistic
ˌsek-yə-lə-ˈris-tik How to pronounce secularism (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on secularism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for secularism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about secularism

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