secularism

noun

sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈse-kyə-lə-ˌri-zəm 

: indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations

secularist

ˈse-kyə-lə-rist 

noun

secularist adjective

or less commonly secularistic

ˌse-kyə-lə-ˈri-stik 

Examples of secularism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Assad’s regime was, rightly or wrongly, seen internationally as one of brutal secularism and relative interreligious tolerance. —Alexander Smith, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024

The country’s founder, in 1923, espoused secularism and is a hero to Izmirli (someone from Izmir), who are stereotypically more progressive than the rest of Turkey. —Alex Crevar, New York Times, 11 July 2024

Instead, coalitional maneuvering, personal rivalries, and debates over federalism, secularism, and the allocation of resources took primacy. —Paul Staniland, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2024

What's more extraordinary is that this is taking place in a country with a strong emphasis on secularism and a low rate of church attendance. —Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

secularism

noun

sec·​u·​lar·​ism ˈsek-yə-lə-ˌriz-əm 

: the belief that religion and religious considerations should be ignored

secularist

-rəst 

noun

secularist adjective

also secularistic

ˌsek-yə-lə-ˈris-tik