Meaning & use
heretics
Last updated
People who hold or express beliefs that go against the established doctrines of a religion or widely accepted views.
See it in a sentence
During the Inquisition, thousands of accused heretics were tried by religious tribunals.
Early scientists who challenged the prevailing worldview were sometimes branded heretics.
A note on using this word
Though rooted in religious history, "heretics" is now often used more broadly for anyone who challenges an orthodoxy, including in science, politics, or ideology.
Words with a similar meaning
dissentersnonconformistsapostates
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
believersorthodox
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “heretics”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.