Confucian

adjective

Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
Confucian noun
Confucianism
kən-ˈfyü-shə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun
Confucianist
kən-ˈfyü-shə-nist How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun or adjective

Examples of Confucian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the Confucian culture of Han China, such actions were considered highly inappropriate for women, but Empress Dowager Ling carried them out while holding the Chinese title of empress dowager. — Stephanie Balkwill, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 The ghosts debate the nature of China’s modernity, the struggle between Confucian and Legalist traditions, and the influence of Japanese versus European ideas on the New Culture Movement. — Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Confucian was in 1837

Rhymes for Confucian

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Confucian
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“Confucian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Confucian. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Confucian

adjective
Con·​fu·​cian kən-ˈfyü-shən How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings or followers
Confucian noun
Confucianism
-shə-ˌniz-əm How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun
Confucianist
-shə-nəst How to pronounce Confucian (audio)
noun or adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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