as in rebel
a person who thinks that a nation, state, etc., should separate from another and become independent
A growing group of secessionists are pushing for the independence of the region.
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Recent Examples of secessionist
As analysts have previously told Newsweek, even those critical of the Islamic Republic often rally behind the central government in the face of external threats and secessionist movements.
—
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Juneteenth commemorates the complete enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved African Americans in secessionist states – signed by former President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2025
However, most countries are loath to encourage secessionist movements.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
For some secessionist groups, this is certainly good news.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Juneteenth commemorates the complete enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved African Americans in secessionist states – signed by former President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 June 2025
However, most countries are loath to encourage secessionist movements.
—Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025
For some secessionist groups, this is certainly good news.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for secessionist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionist
Noun
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But in a region being fought over by a patchwork of anti-junta rebel groups, the military and pro-military militia – and given the widespread distrust of the Rohingya – information on where exactly his family are, or what will become of them, has not been forthcoming.—
Esha Mitra,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
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By the finale, the galactic chessboard is crowded with players—emperors, rebels, prophets, impostors—but as Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) warned in the very first episode, the center cannot hold.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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At the end of April 2022, the Russian army moved the Kuindzhi Art Museum's entire collection to a museum in the capital of the Donetsk People's Republic, a separatist and politically unrecognized territory annexed by Russia.—
Yegor Mostovshikov,
The Dial,
9 Sep. 2025
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It was once even attacked with grenades by Muslim separatists in the Philippines in a 1991 terrorist incident that left two evangelists dead.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This new generation of outlets has also begun to shape the political conversation on the left, helping boost insurgent challengers to the Democratic establishment.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Perfect for pondering what’s more human than human or planning insurgent actions against a cruel imperial apparatus.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Burns said Huntington Beach is not the only city where vigils and community gatherings have been co-opted by extremists.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
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Still, a recent study by the libertarian Cato Institute found more politically motivated killings in the United States come from right-leaning extremists.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Secessionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionist. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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