nonsectarian

American  

[non-sek-tair-ee-uhn] / ˌnɒn sɛkˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. not affiliated with or limited to a specific religious denomination.

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nonsectarian British  

/ ˌnɒnsɛkˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. not narrow-minded, esp as a result of rigid adherence to a particular sect; broad-minded

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Etymology

Origin of nonsectarian

First recorded in 1825–35; non- + sectarian

Explanation

You can describe something as nonsectarian if it's not connected or affiliated with any particular religious or political belief. A college is nonsectarian if it isn't associated with a religion or church, and a Sunday school class that teaches all religions is also nonsectarian. Something that's sectarian follows the rules of a particular group or sect, and it's the Latin word secta that's at the root of both sectarian and nonsectarian. The literal meaning of secta is "a way or a road," and its figurative meaning is "a following, school of thought, or religious group."

Example Sentences

What about universities that are nonsectarian but have values deeply connected to a particular religious community?

From Slate • May 22, 2025

Initially women-driven, the nonsectarian center took root in Catholicism long before 1924.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

The Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that offers refugees resettlement assistance, employment placement and immigration legal aid, as well as referrals to housing, education and health screening resources.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2023

Maine had only allowed nonsectarian schools as part of the program.

From Washington Times • Jun. 21, 2022

Subsequently the Georgia commission to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition donated the entire furnishings of the State building to the Georgia Industrial Home at Macon, Ga., the only nonsectarian orphanage in the State.

From Final Report of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission by Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission

Related Words

• multicultural