secularism

noun

sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈse-kyə-lə-ˌri-zəm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
Synonyms of secularismnext
: indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations
secularist
ˈse-kyə-lə-rist How to pronounce secularism (audio)
noun
secularist adjective
or less commonly secularistic
ˌse-kyə-lə-ˈri-stik How to pronounce secularism (audio)

Examples of secularism 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.
One of the things Catholic leaders tend to attribute this drop in attendance to is a broader trend of secularism. — Maureen K. Day, The Conversation, 7 May 2025 An African cardinal from Guinea, Sarah, 79, is viewed as a spiritual and theological standard-bearer for conservative Catholics, as critics of Francis have argued the late pope was too heavily influenced by modern secularism. — Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Her modest attire was very much at odds with her husband’s avowed secularism. — Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 The bill purports to defend the principle of laïcité, or the secularism embodied in the French constitution and legal framework. — Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for secularism

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secularism was in 1851

Rhymes for secularism

See All Rhymes for secularism

Browse Nearby Words

secularise
secularism
secularization
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secularism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secularism. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

secularism

noun
sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce secularism (audio)
: the belief that religion and religious considerations should be ignored
secularist
-rəst How to pronounce secularism (audio)
noun
secularist adjective
also secularistic
ˌsek-yə-lə-ˈris-tik How to pronounce secularism (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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