reconstructionism

noun

re·con·struc·tion·ism ˌrē-kən-ˈstrək-shə-ˌni-zəm

often capitalized

: a movement in 20th century American Judaism that advocates a creative adjustment to contemporary conditions through the cultivation of traditions and folkways shared by all Jews

: advocacy of post-Civil War Reconstruction

Examples of reconstructionism 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.

Neopaganism’s various branches include Wicca and Hellenic reconstructionism, a religion that focuses on the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece. —

Alyssa Beall, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023 For Joseph, the First Reconstruction established the central tension between reconstructionism and redemptionism, a tension that encapsulates our national moment. —

Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022 Third Reconstruction resumes this struggle, with the most violent clash between reconstructionism and redemptionism in decades. —

Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022 Epstein has some respect for reconstructionism, which can be traced back to ancient philosophy. —

Samuel Goldman, The Week, 27 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of reconstructionism was in 1881

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reconstructionism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconstructionism. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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