APOSTASY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

apostasy

noun

Definition of apostasy

as in schism

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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

Millions of pilgrims converge on the holy city of Karbala, south of Baghdad, for Arbaeen, the 40th day of mourning for the killing of Imam Hussein 14 centuries ago, a definitive event in the schism between Shia and Sunni Islam.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 30 July 2026
To waste all these resources on some esoteric arty thing, that’s when the schism started to happen for me.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

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
Gang Seong brings Ri Eung-ryeong back to North Korea, where he is presumably punished for his defection.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026

Definition of defection

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

This stretch of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is identical across every other animal that’s been studied, so the deviation jumped out at Han.

— Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026
American manhood is a fragile and precarious thing, shattered by the slightest deviation from ever-shifting norms—eating the wrong taco, tasting tofu, not eating meat, or maybe eating too much meat.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

Another misconception is that people with debt are irresponsible.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
The tragedy sparked a broader conversation online, with survivors of domestic abuse and supporters of Gilson pushing back at the misconceptions victims often face in unhealthy or dangerous relationships.

— Rachel Hale, USA Today, 28 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apostasy

noun

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