HERESY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

heresy

noun

ˈher-ə-sē

Definition of heresy

as in dissent

departure from a generally accepted theory, opinion, or practice the heresy of asserting that Shakespeare was not a great writer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 heresy While Ono faced the public just days after being named UF’s preferred candidate, Bell has spent more than two weeks under the microscope as conservative activists, bloggers and political operatives sifted through his decade-long record in Alabama searching for evidence of ideological heresy. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 But at least one image has to remain in place lest FIFA commit heresy. — Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 His campaign is gaining momentum at a time when many of the administration’s steadfast Christian backers—alarmed by the president’s bullying campaign against Pope Leo XIV in recent weeks, among other heresies—have been rethinking their support. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 She was found guilty of heresy and sorcery in 1441. — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heresy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heresy

Noun

In a footnote to his dissent, Roberts wrote that the underground work on the project – which lower courts had allowed to proceed – addressed the government’s security concerns.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
In fact, dissent within the House’s Republican caucus prevented them from agreeing on their own measure to keep the government open; instead, the House simply adopted a version of the spending bill that had previously passed the Senate.

— John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of dissent

Noun

Even in the most pluralistic society, straying from the prevailing orthodoxy (or heterodoxy, as the case may be) can land you in trouble.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
But Dhillon’s apparent moderation during that time might also be read as a different way of communicating the same underlying heterodoxy from her Review days.

— Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026

Definition of heterodoxy

Browse Nearby Words

heresies

heresy

heretic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Heresy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heresy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of heresy

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on heresy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes