separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist How to pronounce separatist (audio)
ˈse-pə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of separatistnext
: one that favors separatism: such as
a
Separatist : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England
b
: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)
c
: an advocate of racial or cultural separation
separatist adjective
separatistic adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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About two centuries later, that history makes the town a magnet for tourists eager to learn about the society of German religious separatists who founded New Harmony and the later secular community built around social, labor and education reform. Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025 In early December, southern Yemeni separatists launched a major campaign to seize large parts of the Hadramawt, an oil-producing region bordering Saudi Arabia, and Mahra, a province bordering Oman. April Longley Alley, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2025 Militant Muslim separatist groups such as Abu Sayyaf are located in the southern Philippines and have hosted other foreign militant groups from Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2025 Groups of Muslim separatist militants, including Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines, once expressed support for ISIS and have hosted small numbers of foreign militant combatants from Asia, the Middle East and Europe in the past. Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for separatist

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separatist was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Separatist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separatist. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

separatist

noun
sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst How to pronounce separatist (audio)
: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)
separatism
-rə-ˌtiz-əm
noun
separatist adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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