universalist

[ yoo-nuh-vur-suh-list ]

noun

1. a person characterized by universalism, as in knowledge, interests, or activities.
2. (initial capital letter) a member of a liberal religious denomination advocating Universalism. Compare Unitarian Universalism.

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) Also Uni·versal·istic. of or relating to Universalism or Universalists.

universalist

/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəlɪst /

noun

1. a person who has a wide range of interests, knowledge, activities, etc

adjective

1. characterized by universality

Derived Forms

• ˌuniˌversalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• nonu·ni·versal·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of universalist¹

First recorded in 1620–30; universal + -ist

Example Sentences

Lewis told Salon that, as a self-described universalist who believes that all human beings will be restored to a right relationship with God, Christian exhortation need not come at the expense of pluralism.

From Salon

Critics of the bill say existing French law already bans the compilation of personal data about an individual's race or ethnic background on the basis of the French Republic's "universalist" principles.

From BBC

The creeping alien force constantly wrapping its tentacles around the dialogue in “Wrong Way” is the inoffensively postconservative, universalist rhetoric of contemporary business development.

From Los Angeles Times

Hall was a universalist and encouraged visitors to use the campus’ resources to aid them on the path of their own spiritual development — whatever that looked like.

From Los Angeles Times

“Given the many religious tensions across the world, the real challenges of interfaith dialogue, and the self-selected crowd at Toronto, the universalist rhetoric could sound a little hollow. “

From Seattle Times