APOSTASY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

apostasy

noun

Definition of apostasy

as in schism

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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

Lowe used to be a member of a much larger and more popular right-wing populist party, Nigel Farage’s Reform, but he was forced out in an enjoyably catty and melodramatic schism after calling for mass deportations.

— Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
The Vatican declared the group of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in schism after the SSPX consecrated four bishops in Switzerland without Pope Leo XIV’s approval this month.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Definition of schism

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

Now, doctors get your latest cycle phase, symptoms, sleep score, steps and temperature deviation sent straight to their clinical dashboards so your stats are all in one place.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 July 2026
Manufacturing tacit knowledge cannot be captured fully in SOPs because real process behavior often lives in pattern memory built through years of batch history, deviations and corrective action.

— Nagesh Nama, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

The complaint also alleges that the companies failed to adopt alternative designs and perpetuated the misconception that plastic filters are biodegradable or can be disposed of in public without significant consequence.

— Reeti Malhotra July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
The biggest misconception about building a global brand is that scale automatically creates relevance.

— Teja Chekuri, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of misconception

Browse Nearby Words

apostasies

apostasy

apostate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Apostasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostasy. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of apostasy

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on apostasy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

kludge

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes