Synonyms for

Secular

Verb / ˈsekjʌlɜ: / Another word for secular — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not connected with religious or spiritual matters

Synonyms & similar words

lay unworldly profane layman temporal layperson laic sacred religious clergyman worldly worldly temporal nonreligious lay profane material earthly carnal unspiritual nonspiritual nonclerical civil political irreligious unholy godless heathen pagan atheistic agnostic

Synonyms by register

Formal

nonreligious irreligious profane worldly

Informal

non-churchy not religious everyday

Literary

terrestrial temporal earthly

Antonyms

religious sacred spiritual holy divine clerical ecclesiastical

Common collocations

  • secular society
  • secular education
  • secular government
  • secular music
  • secular power
  • secular trends
  • secular outlook

Word family

noun secularism
adverb secularly

Usage note

Secular refers to things that are not religious or spiritual. It is often used in contrast to 'sacred' or 'holy'.

Example sentences

  1. The government must remain secular and not show favoritism to any religion.
  2. My family is secular, but we still celebrate Christmas as a cultural holiday.
  3. The university has a secular studies program that explores religion in a non-religious context.
  4. Some people choose a secular wedding ceremony instead of a religious one.
  5. The country's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and a secular state.

Quotes

  • The secular state is the guarantee of religious freedoms. - Imran Khan
  • I believe in a secular America, where religious freedom is sacrosanct - and where politicians don't insult our intelligence by pretending they can impose their faith on us. - Barack Obama
  • Secularism is not an ideology; it is a principle, a way of life. - Taslima Nasrin

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