relativism

noun

rel·​a·​tiv·​ism ˈre-lə-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce relativism (audio)
1
a
: a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing
b
: a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them
2
relativist noun

Examples of relativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the very least, a certain measure of moral relativism was at play this past week. Dana Milbank, Washington Post, 14 June 2024 Weaver was an intellectual historian who believed that the metaphysical errors of the late Middle Ages had spawned a whole slew of evils, from moral relativism to jazz. Rachel Lu, National Review, 13 June 2024 Hershey relishes her role as the master manipulator, but the show’s murky prestige-drama moral relativism robs it of any pulpy charms, replaced by half-hearted attempts to take on modern social issues like battlefield PTSD. Josh Bell, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2024 The moral relativism of the recent past slashed and burned the traditional values of our culture, producing the tabula rasa on which tyrannical revolutionaries always seem to build their utopias. Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relativism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relativism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of relativism was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near relativism

Cite this Entry

“Relativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relativism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

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