What does reunionist mean?
A reunionist is someone who believes that divided countries, communities, or institutions should be brought back together. The term is most commonly used in political and historical contexts, particularly when discussing movements seeking the reunification of a formerly united nation. Unlike the broader word unionist, which can refer to a supporter of political union generally or to a member of a specific unionist political tradition, a reunionist specifically advocates restoration or reunification after a division. The word is relatively uncommon and tends to appear in formal reporting, historical writing, and political commentary rather than everyday conversation. It can describe both an individual supporter and, in phrases such as “the reunionist movement,” a broader ideological position. The related terms reunite, reunion, and unification make its central meaning readily understandable: bringing separated parts back into a shared political or social whole.
nounA person who supports the reunion or reunification of a divided group, country, or organization. The term is especially associated with political movements advocating the restoration of a former union.
- A person who advocates the reunion or reunification of a divided country, group, or organization.
"The reunionists campaigned for the return of the territory to the federation."
"Reunionists opposed the proposal that would have made the border permanent."
"The speech was welcomed by reunionists but criticized by those who favored separate political institutions."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple supporters of reunification.
"Several reunionists addressed the conference."
A reunionist supports bringing divided communities back together, while the closely related term unionist often focuses on maintaining or forming a political union.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reunionist come from?
The word is formed from reunion plus the suffix -ist. Reunion entered English through French réunion and ultimately Latin roots meaning “a uniting again,” while -ist comes from Greek -istēs, a suffix denoting a person who follows a principle, profession, or cause. The compound reunionist developed in political contexts during the period when national reunification became a major European issue.
Related word forms
How reunionist is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and largely political term. It is most often used in historical or regional contexts involving national reunification, especially in discussion of movements connected with Ireland or the reunification of Germany.
Easily confused with reunionist
A reunionist advocates restoring or bringing together groups that have been divided, whereas a unionist generally supports political union or maintaining an existing union.