1. people who support the separation of a particular group or region from a larger political or religious body
Usage: plural form of separatist

Examples

• The separatists demanded independence from the central government.
• Religious separatists left England to establish their own communities in America.
• The region’s separatists organized peaceful protests for autonomy.
• Government forces clashed with armed separatists near the border.
• Many separatists believed their cultural identity was threatened.
• The separatists formed their own political party to advance their cause.