heretical
adjective
he·ret·i·cal
hə-ˈre-ti-kəl 
variants
or less commonly heretic
ˈher-ə-ˌtik
ˈhe-rə-
1
: of or relating to adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma : characterized by heresy
heretical writings
2
: of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards : unorthodox
It would be heretical to suggest changing company policy.
Examples of heretical in a Sentence
the belief that women should be allowed to have careers outside the home was once considered heretical
Recent Examples on the Web
People are angry’: Fear and chaos grip San Diego’s 47,000-strong federal workforce
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Historic or heretical?
—
Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
In some communities, newer faiths, especially those that view traditional practices as heretical have weakened ties to sacred forests.
—Ogar Monday, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025
This instance of using heretical emblems or culturally inscriptive materials—often subtle or hidden—has long served as a quiet rebellion against the erasure of Black memory.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Thirst won the Jury Prize at Cannes and was nominated for the Palme d’Or, which is some great prestige for this heretical South Korean horror drama.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heretical
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Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
In some communities, newer faiths, especially those that view traditional practices as heretical have weakened ties to sacred forests.
—Ogar Monday, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025
This instance of using heretical emblems or culturally inscriptive materials—often subtle or hidden—has long served as a quiet rebellion against the erasure of Black memory.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Thirst won the Jury Prize at Cannes and was nominated for the Palme d’Or, which is some great prestige for this heretical South Korean horror drama.
—Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heretical
Cite this Entry
“Heretical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heretical. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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heretical
adjective
he·ret·i·cal
hə-ˈret-i-kəl
: of, relating to, or characterized by heresy : unorthodox
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