heresiarch

he·re·si·arch

noun \hə-ˈrē-zē-ˌärk, ˈher-ə-sē-\

Definition of HERESIARCH

: an originator or chief advocate of a heresy

Examples of HERESIARCH

1. <his about-face on welfare reform has led him to be seen as a heresiarch among his party's faithful>

Origin of HERESIARCH

Late Latin haeresiarcha, from Late Greek hairesiarchēs, from hairesis + Greek -archēs -arch

First Known Use: 1624

Related to HERESIARCH

Synonyms: dissenter, dissentient, dissident, heretic, nonconformist

Antonyms: conformer, conformist

Related Words: apostate, defector, renegade; schismatic, sectarian, separationist, separatist; disbeliever, infidel, misbeliever, unbeliever; bohemian, individualist

Near Antonyms: believer

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Rhymes with HERESIARCH

amusement park, high-water mark, in the ballpark, shot in the dark, vest-pocket park, walk in the park