What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cultist
Example
The cultist believed that the end of the world was near and that only their group would be saved. [cultist: noun]
Example
He was a cultist of the fitness guru and followed all of his teachings religiously. [cultist: adjective]
sectarian
Example
The sectarian group believed that their interpretation of the holy book was the only correct one. [sectarian: adjective]
Example
He was a sectarian who refused to associate with anyone who did not share his religious beliefs. [sectarian: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sectarian is more commonly used than cultist in everyday language, and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cultist and sectarian?
Both cultist and sectarian are generally considered informal words, but sectarian may be used in more formal contexts such as academic or political discussions.
