Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for sectarianism. Search instead for sectarianise.
Synonyms

sectarianism

American  
[sek-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] / sɛkˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm /

noun

  1. sectarian spirit or tendencies; excessive devotion to a particular sect, especially in religion.

Etymology

Origin of sectarianism

First recorded in 1810–20; sectarian + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Iraq still faces many challenges, not least sectarianism, paramilitaries and Iranian meddling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy said those responsible were fuelled by "hate and sectarianism".

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

"Yet, these actions fuelled by hate and sectarianism continue, unchallenged, from their own elected representatives," he said.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025

And when a reporter like Sexton does enter the picture, sectarianism makes his job more difficult.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

"You see," Brother Jack said with a grin, "we've always avoided these leaders, but the moment we start to advance on a broad front, sectarianism becomes a burden to be cast off. Any other suggestions?"

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.