separatism

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ism ˈse-p(ə-)rə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce separatism (audio)
Synonyms of separatismnext
: a belief in, movement for, or state of separation (such as schism, secession, or segregation)

Examples of separatism 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.
For decades, Alberta separatism remained on the political margins. — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026 Future of separatism Keith Wilson, another Alberta independence leader who was lead counsel for the 2022 convoy organizers, said separatists see the vote as a way to give Alberta more leverage in dealing with Ottawa, even short of independence. — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Lich, who was tried and convicted in connection with the protests and is still under house arrest, has shifted her energies to Alberta separatism. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026 Pakistan must manage its sizeable Shiite population and its sensitive relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns over Kurdish separatism despite competing elsewhere in the region. — Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separatism

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separatism was in 1628

Rhymes for separatism

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Browse Nearby Words

separation point
separatism
separatist
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Cite this Entry

“Separatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separatism. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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