racism

noun

ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce racism (audio)
Definition of racismnext
1
as in segregation
the belief that certain races of people are by birth and nature superior to others Hitler's declaration of his belief in a "master race" provided irrefutable proof to the world of the inherent and dangerous racism of the Nazi movement

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in prejudice
hatred of or discrimination against a person or persons based on their race the 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most deplorable incidents of racism that occurred during the civil rights movement of the 1960s

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
  1. segregation
  2. prejudice
Noun
  • In 1954, the Supreme Court overturned its 1896 decision that upheld racial segregation.
    — Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • Or even just 62 years to the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed segregation.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of segregation
Noun
  • For much of the past several decades, overt expressions of racial prejudice became increasingly socially unacceptable in mainstream public life.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Ableism is the everyday prejudice — sometimes subtle, sometimes overt — that treats people with disabilities as inconvenient, less competent, or less deserving of respect and opportunity.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Definition of prejudice
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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racing
racism
racist
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Cite this Entry

“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on racism

Nglish: Translation of racism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about racism

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