Meaning & use

heresy

noun·Advanced

A belief or opinion that strongly conflicts with established religious doctrine or widely accepted principles.

See it in a sentence

In medieval Europe, questioning church teachings could get a person accused of heresy.

Suggesting the team change its long-standing strategy felt like heresy to the veteran coach.

A note on using this word

Heresy originally applied strictly to religious doctrine but is now often used more loosely for any opinion that defies accepted norms.

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

orthodoxy

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