religion

noun

re·​li·​gion ri-ˈli-jən How to pronounce religion (audio)
Synonyms of religionnext
1
: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
2
a(1)
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
(2)
: commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
b
: the state of a religious
a nun in her 20th year of religion
3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
4
archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
religionless
ri-ˈli-jən-ləs How to pronounce religion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of religion in a Sentence

Many people turn to religion for comfort in a time of crisis. There are many religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Shinto is a religion that is unique to Japan. Hockey is a religion in Canada. Politics are a religion to him. Where I live, high school football is religion. Food is religion in this house.
Recent Examples on the Web Many cultures and religions link eclipses to energy, seeing them as events of renewal and promise — or in some cases, of vital energy being drained away. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 8 Apr. 2024 Rumors began to go around that Patel’s film touched upon some sensitive areas regarding India’s caste system and the way that the mix of religion and nationalism had become an unfortunate part of the nation’s contemprary landscape. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for religion 

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English religioun, from Anglo-French religiun, Latin religion-, religio supernatural constraint, sanction, religious practice, perhaps from religare to restrain, tie back — more at rely

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of religion was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing religion

Dictionary Entries Near religion

religio loci

religion

religionary

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Religion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

religion

noun
re·​li·​gion ri-ˈlij-ən How to pronounce religion (audio)
1
a
: the service and worship of God or the supernatural
b
: belief in or devotion to religious faith or observance
c
: the state of a person in the religious life
a nun in her 20th year of religion
2
: a set or system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things
3
: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held with faith and strong feeling

More from Merriam-Webster on religion

Nglish: Translation of religion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of religion for Arabic Speakers

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