Heretic: meaning, definitions and examples

Same as previously defined - a person who holds beliefs that are at odds with established religious teachings.

• Galileo was considered a heretic for his support of heliocentrism.
• She was afraid of being called a heretic for her progressive views.

This word is used more broadly to describe someone who disagrees with the majority opinion, not necessarily in a religious context.

• The meeting was disrupted by a dissenter who opposed the new policies.
• Dissenters often face social and political backlash for their views.

This word is used to describe someone who does not conform to traditional societal standards or norms, often outside of a religious context.

• As a nonconformist, he always questioned traditional ways of doing things.
• Her nonconformist attitude made her stand out in a conservative community.

This term is often used to describe someone who actively resists authority or established rules, and can have a negative or positive connotation depending on context.

• The young rebels organized protests against the government.
• He was seen as a rebel in his family for pursuing a career outside the family business.

This word is often used in religious or ideological situations where someone holds beliefs that are in opposition to the established doctrine. It usually has a negative connotation.

• He was declared a heretic by the church for his beliefs.
• Galileo faced the Inquisition as a heretic for his support of heliocentrism.

This word describes an independent-minded person who does not conform to accepted ideas or behavior. It is commonly used in professional or creative industries and carries a mostly positive connotation.

• Steve Jobs was a maverick in the tech industry.
• She was known as a maverick journalist, often tackling unconventional stories.

This term is used for someone who advocates for thorough or complete political or social reform. It can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on perspective.

• Her radical ideas about equality changed the course of the movement.
• He was seen as a radical for proposing drastic changes to the education system.

This term is used for someone who challenges or rejects established norms, traditions, or icons. It can be used in various contexts, including art, religion, and social structures, and often has a mix of admiration and criticism.

• The artist was considered an iconoclast for her unique and controversial work.
• As an iconoclast, he openly opposed traditional values and norms.