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

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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 Joan of Arc was acquitted and declared innocent of alleged heresy by a retrial verdict 25 years after her execution by burning. — USA Today, 24 June 2026 In this way, Paul turned the heresy of a tiny sect of Messianic Jews into the dominant religious and cultural architecture of the West for the next couple of thousand years. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 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 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 See All Example Sentences for heresy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heresy

Noun

These were moments of extraordinary dissent against the British government by American colonists.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The 6-3 ruling included dissents from conservative-leaning Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Amy Coney Barrett.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of dissent

Noun

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
Shalom Auslander’s literary career has been built on equal parts comedy, heterodoxy and self-loathing.

— Mark Athitakis, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

Definition of heterodoxy

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heresies

heresy

heretic

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Style

“Heresy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heresy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of heresy

noun

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