iconoclasm

noun

Definition of iconoclasmnext
as in deviation

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 iconoclasm When oppressive regimes do collapse, the first thing people tend to do is topple the statues; this literal iconoclasm becomes an outlet for their relief and rage. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026 Studio 54 has a history drenched in iconoclasm, and now, Valentino fragrances. — Essence, 12 Sep. 2025 In that regard Stern is not unlike South Park, another once-famous piece of iconoclasm that, until recent negotiation headlines, many of us couldn’t even say definitively was still on the air. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025 My mother’s iconoclasm shaped my attitude toward life, including my taste in music. — Santi Elijah Holley, New York Times, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for iconoclasm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iconoclasm
  1. deviation
  2. deviance
  3. unconventionality
  4. apostasy
  5. schism
  6. discord
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
  • Per the logline, the series will explore themes of privilege, manipulation, and deviance to understand why these women become calculated killers.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • In sociology, Gideon chose a concentration in crime and deviance.
    — Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of deviance
Noun
  • Narayan’s bittersweet love story about a hapless painter’s crush on an emotionally distant social worker has lost none of its humor, relevance, or unconventionality.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 May 2026
  • Santee Alley was born out of unconventionality with its makeshift stores designed to break retail rules.
    — Lilliam Rivera, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of unconventionality
Noun
  • When every disagreement with Israeli government policy became, in your telling, the first step toward apostasy?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 July 2026
  • Marc makes an example of the penitent, powerless Jeanne, reminding the rest of his flock of the punishment for apostasy and using her rough time among the heathens as proof of why none under his control should ever want to trade his order for such modern sin and depravity.
    — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Definition of apostasy
Noun
  • 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
  • Parishioners at Saint Agnes said they were saddened by the schism and would continue to pray for a united church.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of schism
Noun
  • His removal sparked public protests and discord within the Ukrainian military, with Fedorov making an outspoken attack on the chief of the armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Thursday.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • The Administration has already undermined the agreement in many ways, experts tell TIME, citing the discord in February, when the bloc had to freeze the implementation of the agreement after Trump made additional tariff threats.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of discord

Browse Nearby Words

icon
iconoclasm
iconoclasms
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Iconoclasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iconoclasm. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on iconoclasm

Nglish: Translation of iconoclasm for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All