sectarian

1 of 3

adjective

sec·​tar·​i·​an sek-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce sectarian (audio)
Synonyms of sectariannext
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
2
: limited in character or scope : parochial
sectarianism
sek-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce sectarian (audio)
noun

sectarian

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
: an adherent of a sect
2
: a narrow or bigoted person

sectarianism

3 of 3

noun (2)

sec·​tar·​i·​an·​ism -əˌnizəm How to pronounce sectarianism (audio)
plural -s
: sectarian spirit or beliefs : exclusive or narrow-minded attachment to a sect, denomination, party, or school
religious sectarianism
socialist sectarianism

Synonyms of sectarian

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Adjective

Noun (1)

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Examples of sectarian in a Sentence

Adjective The country was split along sectarian lines. there are people on both the left and the right who have staked out unyielding sectarian positions in this debate Noun (1) charged that the work of Congress has been stymied by sectarians who are indifferent to reason and intolerant of compromise
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
One consequence of the ensuing wars was the emergence of a new, anti-sectarian, pacifist element in Dutch religious life. — Clare Bucknell, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Lebanon is a multi-sectarian society with over a dozen ethnic and religious minority groups, including one of the region’s largest Christian populations. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Noun
Quite the contrary, the image of the cross makes the war memorial sectarian. — Robert Barnes, Anchorage Daily News, 20 June 2019 Both sides insist the other initiated the initial volley of gunfire that killed four agents and six sectarians. — Joshua Alston, Variety, 12 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sectarian

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

circa 1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sectarian was circa 1576

Rhymes for sectarian

See All Rhymes for sectarian

Browse Nearby Words

sectarial
sectarian
sectarianism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sectarian

1 of 2 adjective
sec·​tar·​i·​an sek-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce sectarian (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
2
: not willing to consider other points of view
a sectarian mind
sectarianism
-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce sectarian (audio)
noun

sectarian

2 of 2 noun
1
: a member of a sect
2
: a person who won't consider the ideas or opinions of others

More from Merriam-Webster on sectarian

Nglish: Translation of sectarian for Spanish Speakers

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