separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist How to pronounce separatist (audio)
ˈse-pə-ˌrā-
Synonyms of separatistnext
: one that favors separatism: such as
a
Separatist : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England
b
: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)
c
: an advocate of racial or cultural separation
separatist adjective
separatistic
ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈti-stik How to pronounce separatist (audio)
adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ruby Ridge is where white separatist Randy Weaver barricaded himself, his family, and a friend in a remote Idaho cabin after refusing to appear in court on federal weapons charges. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 In 2005, for example, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari brought Indonesian officials together with exiled Acehnese separatist leaders to end a decades-long insurgency in Aceh, a province on Sumatra. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026 Hoekstra has also denied knowing the app was being used by the separatists. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026 Hoekstra has denied knowing the app was being used by the separatists. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for separatist

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separatist was in 1608

Phrases Containing separatist

Browse Nearby Words

separatism
separatist
separative
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Separatist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separatist. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

separatist

noun
sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst How to pronounce separatist (audio)
: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)
separatism
-rə-ˌtiz-əm
noun
separatist adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on separatist

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for separatist

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about separatist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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