Synonyms for heretic
- noun
- adjective
All synonyms
Noun
1. Schismatic
schismatic, renegade, separatist, dissenter, dissident, sectarian, sectary, withersake dated
Other
Adjective
Definitions
- n. 1
Someone whose beliefs are contrary to the fundamental tenets of a religion they claim to belong to.
Forms
- Plural
- heretics → schismatics, renegades, separatists, dissenters…
Choose the right word
A heretic differs in doctrine from the religious body with which he is connected; a schismatic differs in doctrine or practise, or in both. A heretic may be reticent, or even silent; a schismatic introduces divisions.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- renegade Taiwan is a renegade province of China.
- separatist I'm at the library for a separatist meeting.
- dissenter Freedom is always the freedom of the dissenter.
- iconoclast Professor Jackson is a professional iconoclast.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| heretic | rising | |
| renegade | steady | |
| separatist | rising | |
| dissenter | steady | |
| schismatic | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 7 letters
- infidel3, sectary
- 8 letters
- renegade3
- 9 letters
- sectarian4, dissident3, dissenter3
- 10 letters
- separatist4, schismatic, iconoclast4, withersake
- 11 letters
- misbeliever, nullifidian
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (infidel3 = 3 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- hérétique