Definition of PLURALISM (original) (raw)
1
: the holding of two or more offices or positions (such as benefices) at the same time
2
: the quality or state of being plural
3
a
: a theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality
b
: a theory that reality is composed of a plurality of entities
4
a
: a state of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain and develop their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
b
: a concept, doctrine, or policy advocating this state
pluralist
adjective or noun
Examples of pluralism in a Sentence
He spoke of the benefits of cultural pluralism. She's a champion of pluralism.
Recent Examples on the Web Morley Winograd, who has written widely on millennial politics, told me that what distinguishes Gen Z-ers from members of previous generations is their multiple, overlapping identities and commitments—a pluralism that has tilted them Democratic, at least so far. —
E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 27 June 2024 Thinking Scientific pluralism: why science does not give straight answers and simple solutions Scientific pluralism is the notion that some questions must be approached from many angles. —Big Think, 24 June 2024 Stories like hers remind citizens — and our armed forces— of the value of pluralism and the critical contributions made by women and African Americans to national defense. —Elizabeth Cobbs / Made By History, TIME, 19 June 2024 In his quest for pluralism in the profession, Mr. Deloire was a leading opponent of the appointment last summer of Geoffroy Lejeune, a far-right media mogul, as editor in chief of Le Journal du Dimanche, France’s only Sunday newspaper. —Sam Roberts, New York Times, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pluralism 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pluralism.' 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
1772, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of pluralism was in 1772
Dictionary Entries Near pluralism
Cite this Entry
“Pluralism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralism. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 1 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences
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