reductionism

noun

re·​duc·​tion·​ism ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce reductionism (audio)
1
: explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry
also : a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible
2
: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms
reductionist
ri-ˈdək-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce reductionism (audio)
noun or adjective
reductionistic
ri-ˌdək-shə-ˈni-stik How to pronounce reductionism (audio)
adjective

Examples of reductionism 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.
Kauffman has come to believe that reductionism can take us just so far. — Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023 Yet, calling Sanoë purely a jacket brand would be a form of reductionism. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 The end goal of reductionism was to explain everything in the universe as the result of particles and their interactions. — Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025 In more recent times, a different kind of reductionism has skewed Western understanding. — Sebastian Strangio, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2020 See All Example Sentences for reductionism

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of reductionism was in 1925

Rhymes for reductionism

See All Rhymes for reductionism

Browse Nearby Words

reduction-improbation
reductionism
reductionist
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

reductionism

noun
re·​duc·​tion·​ism ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce reductionism (audio)
1
: the attempt to explain all biological processes by the same explanations (as by physical laws) that chemists and physicists use to interpret inanimate matter
also : the theory that complete reductionism is possible
2
: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data or phenomena to simple terms
reductionist
-sh(ə-)nəst How to pronounce reductionism (audio)
adjective
or reductionistic
-ˌdək-shə-ˈnis-tik How to pronounce reductionism (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on reductionism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reductionism

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