secessionist

1 of 2

noun (1)

se·​ces·​sion·​ist si-ˈse-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce secessionist (audio)
Synonyms of secessionistnext
: one who joins in a secession or maintains that secession is a right
secessionism
si-ˈse-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce secessionist (audio)
noun
secessionist adjective

secessionism

2 of 2

noun (2)

se·​ces·​sion·​ism -shəˌnizəm How to pronounce secessionism (audio)
plural -s
: the doctrine or policy of secession : the tenets of secessionists

Examples of secessionist 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.
Noun
If nothing is done, the secessionists may achieve success simply for lack of opposition. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 However, various secessionist movements waxed and waned during the period between independence and the Civil War. — Scott Spires Britannica Editors June 3, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026 There are religiously motivated ones targeting both Christians and Muslims, clashes between farmers and herders over dwindling resources, communal rivalries, secessionist groups and ethnic clashes. — Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025 Analysts sympathetic to Riyadh say Saudi policy is to defend state sovereignty and regional order, accusing Abu Dhabi of empowering secessionists to maintain influence in failing states. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secessionist

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secessionist was circa 1850

Rhymes for secessionist

See All Rhymes for secessionist

Browse Nearby Words

secessionism
secessionist
sech
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

secessionist

noun
se·​ces·​sion·​ist -ˈsesh-(ə-)nəst How to pronounce secessionist (audio)
: one who joins in or supports a secession
secessionism
-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce secessionist (audio)
noun
secessionist adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on secessionist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for secessionist

Nglish: Translation of secessionist for Spanish Speakers

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