se·ces·sion·ist
si-ˈse-sh(ə-)nist 
: one who joins in a secession or maintains that secession is a right
secessionist
adjective
se·ces·sion·ism
-shəˌnizəm
plural -s
: the doctrine or policy of secession : the tenets of secessionists
Examples of secessionist in a Sentence
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Scott Spires Britannica Editors June 3, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
During the Civil War, Southern California had its own pro-Confederacy secessionist militia, the Los Angeles Mounted Rifles.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
If nothing is done, the secessionists may achieve success simply for lack of opposition.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Analysts sympathetic to Riyadh say Saudi policy is to defend state sovereignty and regional order, accusing Abu Dhabi of empowering secessionists to maintain influence in failing states.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026
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Noun
However, various secessionist movements waxed and waned during the period between independence and the Civil War.
—Scott Spires Britannica Editors June 3, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026
During the Civil War, Southern California had its own pro-Confederacy secessionist militia, the Los Angeles Mounted Rifles.
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
If nothing is done, the secessionists may achieve success simply for lack of opposition.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Analysts sympathetic to Riyadh say Saudi policy is to defend state sovereignty and regional order, accusing Abu Dhabi of empowering secessionists to maintain influence in failing states.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Cite this Entry
“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secessionist. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
secessionist
noun
se·ces·sion·ist
-ˈsesh-(ə-)nəst
: one who joins in or supports a secession
secessionist
adjective
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