Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

sectarian

[sek-tair-ee-uhn] / sɛkˈtɛər i ən /
ADJECTIVE
narrow-minded, exclusive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
factional parochial partisan
STRONG
dissident doctrinaire fanatic limited local nonconformist provincial splinter
WEAK
bigoted clannish cliquish dogmatic fanatical hidebound insular nonconforming rigid schismatic skeptical small-town
Antonyms
STRONG
conforming
WEAK
broad broad-minded liberal nonsectarian
NOUN
person who is narrow-minded
Synonyms
STRONG
adherent bigot cohort disciple dissenter dissident dogmatist extremist fanatic heretic maverick misbeliever nonconformist partisan radical rebel revolutionary satellite separatist supporter zealot
WEAK
schismatic true believer
Antonyms
STRONG
conservative moderate opponent
WEAK
liberal nonsectarian

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.

Aoun has rejected the use force, warning that this could antagonise the Shia community and reignite sectarian divisions in a country .

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Iraq was a state with deep sectarian divisions that was largely dominated by a single dictator: Saddam Hussein.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

According to police figures released in January, out of 645 incidents involving members of minority groups in 2025 -- only 12 percent were classified as having a sectarian motive.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

Asked if the government made mistakes in its response to the sectarian violence, she replies: "Mistakes happen in transition, in post-conflict; no-one is happy about it, including the president."

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

I ask my fellow-workers at the factory; they know nothing and think I am talking of some crazy Yomesh sectarian.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin