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universalist

American  
[yoo-nuh-vur-suh-list] / ˌyu nəˈvɜr sə lɪst /

noun

  1. a person characterized by universalism, as in knowledge, interests, or activities.

  2. (initial capital letter) a member of a liberal religious denomination advocating Universalism.


adjective

  1. (initial capital letter) Also Universalistic. of or relating to Universalism or Universalists.

universalist British  
/ ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəlɪst /

noun

  1. a person who has a wide range of interests, knowledge, activities, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. characterized by universality

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of universalist

First recorded in 1620–30; universal + -ist

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.

Right around that time, a Unitarian Universalist church was built near our home.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

Cook, the Unitarian Universalist minister in Orange County, said he attends court at least twice a week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2025

Truth, a formerly enslaved person, delivered the speech to a crowd gathered at the Universalist Old Stone Church in Akron for the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention.

From Seattle Times • May 30, 2024

It also cites theological teachings allowing abortion in at least some circumstances by Islamic, Episcopal, Unitarian Universalist and Pagan faiths.

From Washington Times • Dec. 6, 2023

A group of Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Universalist ministers—all men—dominated the discussion that day, challenging the women’s rights resolutions that had been presented.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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