Confucian

1 of 2

adjective

Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
Confucian noun
Confucianism
kən-ˈfyü-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun
Confucianist
kən-ˈfyü-shə-nist How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun or adjective

Confucianism

2 of 2

noun

Con·​fu·​cian·​ism kən-ˈfyü-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Confucianism (audio)
plural -s
: the system of teachings of Confucius and his disciples characterized by central emphasis on the practice and cultivation of the cardinal virtues of filial piety, kindness, righteousness, propriety, intelligence, and faithfulness that historically has formed the basis of much of Chinese ethics, education, statecraft, and religion

Examples of Confucian 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.
Adjective
The passion reflects a tradition in the Confucian belt of East Asia that the path to glory is to study. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 Government officials noted the island’s drift away from Confucian values. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026 Sip omija tea in shaded pavilions, while elders trace calligraphy on rice paper in the Confucian school, while at dusk, cranes wheel overhead and lanterns flicker along the riverbank. — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Chinese doctors warned clinicians that patients may deploy Confucian metaphors framing hereditary cancer as moral condemnation. — Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Confucian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Confucian was in 1837

Rhymes for Confucian

See All Rhymes for Confucian

Browse Nearby Words

confrontment
Confucian
Confucianism
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Cite this Entry

“Confucian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Confucian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Confucian

adjective
Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
Confucian noun
Confucianism
-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun
Confucianist
-shə-nəst How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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