Dissenter: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone disagrees with official or majority opinion, often in a context of political, social, or corporate decisions.

• As a dissenter, Jane often questioned the company's policies
• The court had one dissenter who opposed the new law

Refers to someone who does not follow accepted customs, norms, or conventions, often used in a cultural or social context.

• As a nonconformist, Alex chose an unconventional lifestyle
• The artist was known as a nonconformist, always pushing boundaries

Applied when someone holds beliefs that are strongly at odds with established religious doctrines. It often has a negative connotation.

• During the Inquisition, many were labeled heretics for their beliefs
• Galileo was considered a heretic for his views on the solar system

Describes someone who resists or fights against authority, control, or tradition, and can be used in both social and political contexts.

• The rebel forces took control of the city
• As a teenager, she was always a rebel, challenging her parents' rules

Used to describe someone who disagrees with an accepted opinion or belief, especially in politics or religion. It's often neutral but can have a slight negative connotation depending on the context.

• The dissenter voiced his objections during the council meeting.
• She was labeled a dissenter for challenging the traditional practices of the organization.

Typically used in religious contexts to describe someone with beliefs that are in strong opposition to the established teachings of their church. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The church declared him a heretic and excommunicated him.
• In those times, being labeled a heretic could lead to severe punishment.

Describes someone who does not conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas. It can be used in various contexts, including social, cultural, or political, and is generally neutral or positive.

• She was a nonconformist who refused to follow fashion trends.
• As a nonconformist, he always questioned traditional values.

Describes someone who actively resists authority, control, or tradition. Often used in political or social contexts and can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the viewpoint.

• The rebel led a group of protesters against the new policy.
• Teenagers sometimes go through a phase where they act like rebels against their parents.