Calvinism
noun
Cal·vin·ism
ˈkal-və-ˌni-zəm 
: the theological system of Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination
Examples of Calvinism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In contrast with Lutherans and other Reformation faiths, Calvinism insisted on discipline as a key method for unifying communities.
—
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025
Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
That sounds like a garbled version of Max Weber’s highly contestable claims about 17th-century Calvinism.
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 3 June 2021
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.
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 May 2025
Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
That sounds like a garbled version of Max Weber’s highly contestable claims about 17th-century Calvinism.
—Barton Swaim, WSJ, 3 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Calvinism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Calvinism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share