separatists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separatists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups that advocate for separation from a larger political entity or organization, often in the context of national or ethnic identity. Example: "The separatists in the region have been pushing for greater autonomy from the central government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yashin recently said that Nemtsov had hoped that "opening society's eyes to the crime" of Russian soldiers fighting on the side of separatists in eastern Ukraine would help stop the war.

The Guardian

Abbott, who had previously accused Russia of supplying the equipment to separatists in eastern Ukraine, told Putin this would be "very serious" if true.

The Guardian

Commanders of pro-Kiev paramilitary units said on Wednesday morning that some pro-government forces were pulling out of Debaltseve, which has been under siege from Russia-backed separatists.

The Guardian

Related: Ukraine pro-Russia forces seize strategic Debaltseve railway hub despite truce Vladimir Putin sought to delay the ceasefire by 10 days because he wanted to give separatists time to capture the town, an EU summit was told last week.

The Guardian

"The mood of the separatists in Russia is socio-economic in nature, not for the autonomy of a certain region, so this is all exaggerated.

The Guardian

He called on Moscow to uphold an earlier cease-fire agreement, which calls for withdrawing its support for the separatists and persuading them to release hostages.

The Guardian

The message: the separatists exist only because of the Russian leader's patronage.

The Guardian

Serbia is one of several central and eastern European countries to make overtures to Russia in recent months, and Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have notably opposed EU sanctions over Russia's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Guardian

A pianist has been struck off the concert programme with a Canadian orchestra for expressing her support for pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The Guardian

Markiyan Lubkivskiy, who directed Ukraine's preparations to host Euro 2012 and is now an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian security services, called for legal action in an online post and suggested the video could aid the cause of pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

The Guardian - Sport

In Belgium, the partner is the List Dedecker, a small outfit of libertarian Flemish separatists which might get two seats and 7% of the vote in the Flanders half of the country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about groups seeking political autonomy, carefully consider the connotations of "separatists". Ensure your language accurately reflects their goals and actions, avoiding biased or inflammatory terms.

Common error

Avoid using "separatists" as a blanket term without understanding the specific political, social, or economic factors driving a group's desire for autonomy. Research their stated goals and motivations to ensure accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "separatists" is as a noun, typically plural, referring to individuals or groups who advocate for separation from a larger political entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "separatists" functions as a noun describing groups advocating for secession or greater autonomy. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in English. Primarily used in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for factual reporting. While the term itself is not inherently negative, understanding its connotations is crucial for unbiased writing. When considering alternatives, think about "secessionists", "rebels", or "insurgents" to capture subtle differences in meaning. Ludwig’s examples highlight its usage in discussions of political movements and conflicts, underscoring the importance of precise and unbiased language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secessionists

Focuses specifically on the act of seceding or withdrawing from a political entity.

rebels

Highlights the opposition to established authority.

insurgents

Emphasizes the rebellious or uprising aspect of the group's activities.

dissidents

Focuses on the disagreement with and opposition to the prevailing political system.

autonomists

Highlights the desire for self-governance or increased regional autonomy.

independence movements

Refers to the broader movement seeking national independence.

factions

Emphasizes the divided or conflicting nature of the group within a larger entity.

splinter groups

Focuses on the breakaway nature of the group from a larger organization.

breakaway republics

Specifically describes political entities formed through secession.

nationalist movements

Highlights the emphasis on national identity and aspirations.

FAQs

How is the term "separatists" typically used in sentences?

The term "separatists" is often used as a noun to describe groups or individuals advocating for separation from a larger political entity. For example, "The separatists demanded a referendum on independence."

What are some alternative terms for "separatists"?

Depending on the context, you might use terms like "secessionists", "rebels", or "insurgents". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

Is the term "separatists" always negative?

While the term "separatists" can sometimes carry negative connotations, it is not inherently so. Its neutrality depends on the context and the specific actions and goals of the group being described. It is important to maintain objectivity and avoid biased language.

How does "separatists" differ from "nationalists"?

"Nationalists" generally seek to promote the interests and identity of a particular nation, which may or may not involve separation. "Separatists", on the other hand, specifically aim to separate from an existing political entity to form a new one or join another.