Synonyms for

Sunni

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

Definition

Sunni is a noun that refers to a member of the larger of the two main branches of Islam, the branch that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad.

Synonyms & similar words

sunni sunnite sunnimuslim sunniislam Hanafi Maliki Shafi’i Hanbali Sunnism Sunna Sunnah Sunnite Sunnitic Sunnitism Sunnization Sunnifying Sunni-Shiite

Synonyms by register

Formal

orthodox traditionalist mainstream established

Informal

regular standard typical conventional

Literary

orthodox principled steadfast

Antonyms

heretical deviant unorthodox dissenting heterodox apostate

Common collocations

  • Sunni Islam
  • Sunni Muslim
  • Sunni majority
  • Sunni sect
  • Sunni scholar
  • Sunni leadership
  • Sunni community

Word family

noun Sunnism
adjective Sunni

Usage note

Sunni refers to the largest branch of Islam, emphasizing adherence to the Sunnah. It is often contrasted with Shia.

Example sentences

  1. Most of the Muslims in the world are Sunni.
  2. My neighbors are Sunni and they go to mosque every Friday.
  3. The Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam have different beliefs.
  4. Sunni and Shiite Muslims have lived in peace for centuries in some countries.
  5. The majority of Muslims in Saudi Arabia are Sunni.

Quotes

  • "The Sunni-Shiite split is probably one of the deepest and most explosive fissures in Islam." - Reza Aslan
  • "The Sunni-Shiite conflict is one of the most violent, brutal conflicts in the world today." - Vali Nasr
  • "The Sunni-Shiite divide has been a reality of Islam since the death of the Prophet Muhammad." - Fareed Zakaria

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