APOSTASY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

apostasy

noun

Definition of apostasy

as in schism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of apostasy This Lent is magnifying his apostasy like never before. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 This triggers a slippery slope toward apostasy — that is, de-prioritizing mindedness toward church vetted preoccupations. — Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026 Its roots are in publicly paying penance for serious sins or crimes in the eyes of the church, like adultery or apostasy, which means renouncing the church and its beliefs. — Lianna Norman, Florida Times-Union, 16 Feb. 2026 Those who showed apostasy rarely got another assignment. — Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apostasy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apostasy

Noun

The lasting schism among religious groups would ultimately be linked to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi (1948) and that of Indira Gandhi (1984).

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
But the Kirtland church community soon experienced schisms and conflicts over doctrine, money and authority.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

Cheng insists her defection had nothing to do with sour grapes, but a Damascene realization.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
If James’ defection seems destined to peel casual NBA viewers away from the Lake Show, the subsequent heightened interest for the teams repping the I-95 megalopolis should go a long way toward helping shore up the league’s national deliveries.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of defection

Noun

Pakistan must manage its sizeable Shiite population and its sensitive relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns over Kurdish separatism despite competing elsewhere in the region.

— Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
China has long accused the Dalai Lama of promoting separatism.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of separatism

Noun

When the nucleus ultimately disintegrates, these pieces move apart rapidly and the neck snaps quickly, a process known as scission.

— Charles Q. Choi, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2021
The structure is easily broken down in a reaction called scission (like scissors), which tears up the polymer chain.

— Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 5 Aug. 2020

Definition of scission

Noun

Gripped by a paralyzing fear for the fate of her future children, Naama returns to the same monument where the infidelity took place; there, her parents appear before her.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026
In June, The New York Times spoke to multiple women who accused Platner of physical intimidation, infidelity and disturbing comments.

— Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of infidelity

Noun

To be clear, the success of a good adaptation isn’t necessarily its faithfulness to the source material, but major deviations from the book are far from the only problems here.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Chocolate Chipless Cookies, for instance, was locked from the start, and any deviation from that title was not an option.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

One misconception is that Sherwood police are able to write speeding tickets off the pictures taken by Flock cameras.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
Experts say these concerns are largely unfounded, but the conversation is bringing to light misconceptions about testosterone and masculinity.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of misconception

Browse Nearby Words

apostasies

apostasy

apostate

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“Apostasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostasy. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apostasy

noun

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