apostasy

noun

Definition of apostasynext
as in schism

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of apostasy For Pittsburghers, whose city had for so long been singularly defined by the production of steel, the idea that industrial competitiveness was not paramount bordered on apostasy. — Christopher Briem, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026 This Lent is magnifying his apostasy like never before. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations. — Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 Its roots are in publicly paying penance for serious sins or crimes in the eyes of the church, like adultery or apostasy, which means renouncing the church and its beliefs. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apostasy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apostasy
  1. schism
  2. sectarianism
  3. defection
  4. separatism
  5. scission
  6. infidelity
  7. heresy
  8. deviation
Noun
  • One schism Hagar would like to repair, of course, is with former bandmate Alex Van Halen.
    — Gary Graff, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
  • This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • The pullout, however, leaves a new Iraqi government with the daunting task of loosening Iran’s grip on its neighbor, which has long been trapped in a cycle of sectarianism, foreign meddling and civil conflict.
    — Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sectarianism
Noun
  • Rahm won the league's individual title in each of the last three years, making his defection from the league arguably its biggest hit.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Adelaide had raised Adrien alone until his defection to Moscow at seventeen, a little over a year ago.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of defection
Noun
  • For decades, Alberta separatism remained on the political margins.
    — Sheena Rossiter, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Future of separatism Keith Wilson, another Alberta independence leader who was lead counsel for the 2022 convoy organizers, said separatists see the vote as a way to give Alberta more leverage in dealing with Ottawa, even short of independence.
    — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of separatism
Noun
  • When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.
    — Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2021
  • The structure is easily broken down in a reaction called scission (like scissors), which tears up the polymer chain.
    — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 5 Aug. 2020
Definition of scission
Noun
  • Many commenters highlight fears of infidelity, health risks, and the belief that a bisexual man might eventually prefer men, leading to heartbreak.
    — Razzan Nakhlawi, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • But their relationship cracked amid Hill’s infidelity and a lack of trust, Vaccaro testified.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of infidelity
Noun
  • The campaign has included an allegation of heresy This year’s race is unusual because of attacks from the Christian right branding Hamilton a heretic.
    — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This interpretation was not universally popular—in fact, conservative elements in the Presbyterian Church threatened to put Fosdick on denominational trial for heresy.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of heresy
Noun
  • These deviations are due to the interaction between the helium in their atmosphere and traces of other elements, which vary between white dwarfs, depending on what material has interacted with the star over the course of its lifetime.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
  • This type of structured risk assessment is already extensively used in industry through HAZOP reviews, where potential deviations, causes, consequences and safeguards are systematically examined before a process is put into operation.
    — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of deviation

Browse Nearby Words

apostasies
apostasy
apostate
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Cite this Entry

“Apostasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostasy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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