heterodox

adjective

ˈhe-tə-rə-ˌdäks How to pronounce heterodox (audio)
Definition of heterodoxnext
1
as in dissident
deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices a Christian clergyman with a very heterodox opinion on the divinity of Jesus

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2
as in unconventional
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules her heterodox approach to teaching science initially met with some resistance from her peers

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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 heterodox In Syria, an equivalent system existed under the Assad dynasty, in which rural Alawites (a heterodox sect that emerged from Shiism) dominated the security agencies that policed a Sunni majority. — Elizabeth Tsurkov, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 Mollino—a heterodox figure who, from the margins, influenced the trajectory of twentieth-century design—likely never spent a single night there; its existence was only discovered after his death. — Javier Montes, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 At Sovereign House, Allen and Easton curated a list of heterodox, and sometimes controversial, speakers. — Emma Green, New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2025 The Free Press has won fans, and created plenty of fodder for critics, with heterodox columns and features. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heterodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heterodox
  1. dissident
  2. unconventional
  3. heretical
  4. informal
  5. dissenting
Adjective
  • On July 19, Cuban artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after a period when his whereabouts remained unknown following his release from Guanajay Prison.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026
  • The dissident Bull Moose Party nominated former President Teddy Roosevelt for president after Republicans declined to do so.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of dissident
Adjective
  • Halsey takes an unconventional approach to a button-up top at Guizo’s new flagship store in Los Angeles on July 23.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
  • Environmental regulations were already in place in 2008 when the unconventional Marcellus Shale gas boom began, but conventional drilling dates to the Drake well in 1859 – long before modern environmental oversight existed.
    — Nathaniel Warner, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • In the 14th century, Bibles in English became associated with John Wycliffe, a priest who criticized corruption in the Catholic Church, and whose views on Holy Communion the church had declared heretical.
    — Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • This point can sound almost heretical in modern healthcare discourse, where prevention is frequently framed as both morally superior and financially inevitable.
    — Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of heretical
Adjective
  • But in recent years, the informal community has become more active — and, at times, more divisive.
    — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
  • What if every leader was expected to create transparent pathways for growth instead of relying on informal networks and chance opportunities?
    — Shelley Zalis, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • The Fed’s interest rate-setting committee is divided and saw the most dissenting votes in more than three decades last month.
    — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.
    — Elizabeth Sander, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Aug. 2022
Definition of dissenting

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hesitation
heterodox
heterodoxies
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Cite this Entry

“Heterodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heterodox. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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