secularization
Americannoun
-
separation from religious or spiritual connection or influences.
The secularization of America can be seen in politics, legal decisions, and educational institutions, as well as in the arts and the media.
-
the transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession or use.
There continues to be a debate about the secularization of religious art objects now exhibited in museum settings.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of secularization
Explanation
When something changes from being closely connected to or controlled by religion to being nonreligious, that's secularization. A religious school that's ending its affiliation with a church is undergoing secularization. An institution, government, or society that has no connection to religion is secular, and the process of moving toward being secular is secularization. If a country's population has become less religious or spiritual over time, it's evidence of the secularization of the entire society. Many colleges, including Harvard University for example, were religious institutions until they underwent secularization.
Vocabulary lists containing secularization
World Religions
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Content Summary 6.2: A New Age of Revolutions: Mexico, Russia, and China
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Contemporary Period, c. 1914 to the Present
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While the rise of Catholicism in Africa serves as a counterbalance to the growing secularization of the West, it comes with its own set of challenges.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026
It is difficult to overstate how significant the double-whammy of secularization and the second law were.
From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2023
The problem, as he sees it, is the secularization of society.
From Slate ● Mar. 29, 2023
The Pew Research Center recently predicted that Christians could become a minority religion in the U.S. by 2070 if present trends toward secularization continue.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 13, 2022
There can be no surer sign of secularization than that.
From Religious Perplexities by Jacks, L. P. (Lawrence Pearsall)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
