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

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
The Vatican said dialogue was offered to the group ahead of the schism and that the step of ordaining bishops without ⁠church approval was considered so grave that excommunication was automatic.

— Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Definition of schism

Noun

Not too shabby for a man who was roundly ridiculed for his defection from LaLiga in 2007.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
South Korea took a soldier from the North into custody after the individual crossed the heavily fortified border this week in what is believed to be a defection, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 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

The same day Diana wore the gown, her estranged husband admitted to infidelity on national television.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 July 2026
Plots tend to involve women in various types of distress, facing things like murder, stalking, infidelity, illicit love, kidnapping, and storm-chasing serial killers.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Definition of infidelity

Noun

In this model, the deterministic layer executes those rules without deviation.

— Binny Gill, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
For all the culture-war debates about the liberties Nolan took in his casting, his most radical deviation from the text has to do with agency and who has it.

— Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of deviation

Noun

There is a misconception that the biggest problem is concussions, Alosco said.

— Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
The idea that top athletes from American football or basketball could simply transition to soccer and dominate is a misconception, as the sport prioritizes agility and creativity over sheer size or power.

— Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of misconception

Browse Nearby Words

apostasies

apostasy

apostate

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Style

“Apostasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apostasy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of apostasy

noun

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