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state religion

American  

noun

  1. the official religion of a state as established by law.


Etymology

Origin of state religion

First recorded in 1820–30

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.

See Examples For:

Shia Islam is Iran's state religion, and also a major religious branch in Bahrain, alongside Sunni Islam.

From Barron's Mar. 28, 2026

He is considered a “sign of God” in Twelver Shiism, the largest branch of Shiism and the state religion of Iran.

From Salon Mar. 6, 2026

Islam, the official state religion of Saudi Arabia, the self-styled guardian of Islam’s holiest sites, also prohibits alcohol consumption.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 1, 2026

Armenia is believed to be the first nation to make Christianity the state religion, after its king was baptised in 301AD.

From BBC Jun. 19, 2025

Early kings were themselves the head of the state religion or else had separate high priests.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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