sectarianism

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

NOUN

bigotry

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bias discrimination fanaticism injustice racism sexism unfairness

STRONG

dogmatism narrow-mindedness partiality provincialism racialism

WEAK

Jim Crowism

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fairness impartiality

WEAK

broad-mindedness open-mindedness tolerance

NOUN

heresy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blasphemy fallacy

STRONG

agnosticism apostasy atheism defection disbelief dissent dissidence divergence error heterodoxy iconoclasm impiety infidelity nonconformism nonconformity paganism revisionism schism secularism sin

WEAK

misbelief

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement belief harmony

WEAK

orthodoxy

NOUN

racism

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apartheid bias bigotry discrimination segregation unfairness

STRONG

illiberality partiality racialism

WEAK

one-sidedness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fairness tolerance

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

The organisations and followers of their marches have previously been accused of sectarianism.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

Yet, analysts say many of Iraq's problems remain unresolved, ranging from its heavy dependence on oil revenues and the volatile global energy market to graft and sectarianism.

From Reuters • Jun. 16, 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

sectarianism

Example Sentences

Related Words