heretic

noun

her·e·tic | \ ˈher-ə-ˌtik

, ˈhe-rə- \

Definition of heretic

1 religion : a person who differs in opinion from established religious dogma (see dogma sense 2) especially : a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church who refuses to acknowledge or accept a revealed truth The church regards them as heretics.

2 : one who differs in opinion from an accepted belief or doctrine : nonconformist

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About heretic

Examples of heretic in a Sentence

The church regards them as heretics. Galileo was condemned as a heretic for supporting Copernicus's thesis that the earth revolves around the sun and not vice versa.

Recent Examples on the Web Benedetta’s rise to power ignites the indignation of Sister Christina (Louise Chevillotte), who tries to out her as a charlatan and a heretic. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2021 Likewise, referring to Francis as unorthodox or a heretic is unacceptable. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Sep. 2021 In 1431, Joan of Arc, condemned as a heretic, was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2021 An apostate from the faith, a heretic, or a schismatic automatically incurs excommunication, when the delict (or violation) is committed. — Fr. Goran Jovicic, National Review, 13 June 2021 In 1431, Joan of Arc, condemned as a heretic, was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2021 In 1431, Joan of Arc, condemned as a heretic, was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. — BostonGlobe.com, 30 May 2021 The bishop has to decide whether to have the minister tried as a heretic. — Celia Storey, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2021 As this example illustrates, one of the hardest questions a science commentator faces is when to take a heretic seriously. — Matt Ridley, WSJ, 9 Oct. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heretic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for heretic

Middle English heretik, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French heretic, heretik, borrowed from Late Latin haereticus, hereticus, borrowed from Late Greek hairetikós, from hairetikós, adjective, "departing from dogma, heretical," going back to Greek, "able to choose, due to choice," from hairetós "that may be taken, eligible, chosen," verbal adjective of haireîn "to take, grasp, (middle voice) obtain, choose, prefer" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at heresy