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voluntarism

noun
vol·​un·​ta·​rism | \ ˈvä-lÉ™n-tÉ™-ËŒri-zÉ™m How to pronounce voluntarism (audio) \

Definition of voluntarism

1 : the principle or system of doing something by or relying on voluntary action or volunteers
2 : a theory that conceives will to be the dominant factor in experience or in the world
Other Words from voluntarism Example Sentences Learn More about voluntarism

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Other Words from voluntarism

voluntarist \ ˈvä-​lÉ™n-​tÉ™-​rist How to pronounce voluntarist (audio) \ noun
voluntaristic \ ËŒvä-​lÉ™n-​tÉ™-​ˈris-​tik How to pronounce voluntaristic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of voluntarism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Christian churches have historically been crucibles of leadership, voluntarism, and action for progressive social movements, from abolitionism to civil rights. — Hahrie Han, The New Republic, "Building a Bigger Tent," 11 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'voluntarism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of voluntarism

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on voluntarism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about voluntarism

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