denominationalism

[ dih-nom-uh-ney-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. denominational or sectarian spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects.

denominationalism

/ dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. adherence to particular principles, esp to the tenets of a religious denomination; sectarianism
2. the tendency to divide or cause to divide into sects or denominations
3. division into denominations

Derived Forms

• deˌnomiˈnationalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• de·nomi·nation·al·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of denominationalism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; denominational + -ism

Example Sentences

Even before Jan. 6, some sociologists said the fastest-growing group of American Christians are those associated with independent “prophets” who largely operate outside denominationalism.

From Seattle Times

The historically neat boundaries of denominationalism are fraying.

From New York Times

The result is denominationalism in which each Protestant church tries to be just different enough from other Protestant churches to attract an increasingly diminishing market share. It’s a dismaying circumstance.

From Washington Post

“Just as denominationalism doesn’t matter as much, evangelicalism doesn’t mean as much as it once did,” he said.

From Washington Post

John Wesley's name is far above mere denominationalism.

From Project Gutenberg