as in rebels
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 secessionists
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for secessionists
Noun
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And the old person who rebels is ridiculous.
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There was relative peace for 11 years, until a second civil war erupted in 1983, when leaders in Khartoum imposed sharia (Islamic) law and accelerated repression of the southern Christian rebels, which ultimately allowed a ruthless military officer, Omar al-Bashir, to come to power in 1989.
Noun
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Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long seen clashes between security forces, insurgents and drug smugglers.
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Nine American soldiers died and 27 others were injured while fighting a battle against 200 Taliban insurgents in the village of Wanat in Afghanistan’s Waygal Valley.
Noun
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American Muslims for Palestine has repeatedly come under fire over leading members’ past ties to foreign terrorists, though the group denies supporting such radicals.
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Every House Democrat, in safe and competitive districts alike, will now answer to the radicals calling the shots.
Noun
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More than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically massacred in the East African nation by Hutu extremists over roughly 100 days from April to July 1994.
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Opportunists like the daycare group, which was selling weapons, and extremists — not the hobbyists.
Cite this Entry
“Secessionists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/secessionists. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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