separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist How to pronounce separatist (audio)
ˈse-pə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of separatistnext
: one that favors separatism: such as
a
Separatist : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England
b
: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)
c
: an advocate of racial or cultural separation
separatist adjective
separatistic
ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈti-stik How to pronounce separatist (audio)
adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Advertisement At the beginning of May, separatists turned in a petition with hundreds of thousands of signatures to push for a vote on leaving Canada, while opponents collected signatures in support of staying. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 The district elected a Western Canada Concept separatist in a 1982 provincial by-election. — Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 An array of Yemeni government forces and southern separatists struggled to push the Houthis back, and the battle lines moved little before a 2022 ceasefire. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Smith also faces pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party. — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separatist

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separatist was in 1608

Phrases Containing separatist

Browse Nearby Words

separatism
separatist
separative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

separatist

noun
sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst How to pronounce separatist (audio)
: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)
separatism
-rə-ˌtiz-əm
noun
separatist adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on separatist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for separatist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatist

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