racism
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for racism, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use racism
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed from French racisme, built from "race" plus the suffix "-ism."
Full origin of racism →Frequently asked questions
What does “racism” mean?
The word “racism” means the belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others. In plain terms, the belief in racial superiority, or the discrimination that stems from it.
How do you pronounce “racism”?
“Racism” is pronounced RAY-sihzm (/ˈɹeɪsɪzm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “racism” in a sentence?
Here is “racism” used in a sentence: “The museum exhibit traced the history of racism and its impact on policy.”
What is another word for “racism”?
Words with a similar meaning to “racism” include ethnicism† and racialism.
What part of speech is “racism”?
“Racism” is a noun.
Where does the word “racism” come from?
The word “racism” comes from French. Borrowed from French racisme, built from "race" plus the suffix "-ism.".
Is “racism” a common word?
“Racism” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “racism” have?
“Racism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others.
What is the difference between racism and prejudice?
Prejudice is a preconceived opinion about a person or group that is not based on reason or experience. Racism is prejudice or discrimination directed specifically at people because of their race, often tied to the belief that some races are superior, so all racism involves prejudice but not all prejudice is racism.
What is the difference between racism and discrimination?
Discrimination is unfair treatment of people based on a characteristic such as age, sex, or race. Racism is discrimination or prejudice based specifically on race, and it can also mean the belief that some races are inherently superior, so racism is one particular form of discrimination.
What is the difference between racism and racialism?
The two are closely related and often used interchangeably. "Racialism" tends to stress belief in distinct races and their differences, while "racism" more strongly implies prejudice, discrimination, or the belief that some races are superior, and it is the broader, more common term today.