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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of racism
Cook’s broader economic research on inequality, innovation, and racism’s effect on invention brings policy relevance that might otherwise go overlooked.
—
Kori Hale, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023
Sometimes the evidence of racism’s history is right underfoot.
—USA Today, 17 Aug. 2020
The book made theorizing about genetic differences between the races acceptable among certain corners of the mainstream right, paving the way for scientific racism’s resurgence in the Trump era.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for racism
Kori Hale, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In his remarks, Biden praised Till-Mobley for her courage in ensuring the world would see racism's horrors in her son's maimed body.
—Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023
Sometimes the evidence of racism’s history is right underfoot.
—USA Today, 17 Aug. 2020
The book made theorizing about genetic differences between the races acceptable among certain corners of the mainstream right, paving the way for scientific racism’s resurgence in the Trump era.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for racism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for racism
Noun
-
Overtown’s history of hosting musicians like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald during segregation captivated Samuelsson.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Chavez seemed like the right man at the right moment as Mexican Americans rose up like never before to battle discrimination and segregation.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Either way, the distinct cultural disconnect between Wright’s art praxis and police officers’ prejudices leads to profound misunderstandings.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
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Along with the restaurant group, its executive Lesa Sorrentino and alleged investor Denis Stavinoha were dismissed with prejudice.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Racism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/racism. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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