Manichean

American  

[man-i-kee-uhn] / ˌmæn ɪˈki ən /

Or Manichaean

noun

1. Also Manichee an adherent of the dualistic religious system of Manes, a combination of Gnostic Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and various other elements, with a basic doctrine of a conflict between light and dark, matter being regarded as dark and evil.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the Manicheans or their doctrines.

Other Word Forms

• Manicheanism
  noun
• Manicheism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Manichean

1300–50; Middle English Maniche (< Late Latin Manichaeus < Late Greek Manichaîos of Manes) + -an

Example Sentences

Mr. Bernard couches this story as a straightforward “crisis” of American machines’ replacement with electronic games “mostly from Japan,” though the real story is less Manichean.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

And that escalation comes amid growing global instability contributing to a Manichean world of antagonistic armed blocs, reminiscent of the Cold War at its worst.

From Salon • Jul. 22, 2025

“You always impress, but this one took the cake: ‘there are a LOT of reasons why American politics today has become the Manichean slag heap it has.’

From Fox News • Jun. 8, 2020

But Gerwig seems to be trying to explore something less Manichean than personal fulfilment versus subjugation.

From The Guardian • Dec. 7, 2019

The monophysites, without formally denying its real existence, nursed a Manichean suspicion of it.

From Monophysitism Past and Present A Study in Christology by Luce, A. A. (Arthur Aston)