as in dissenter
disapproving
a person who does not believe in a religion that someone regards as the true religion
The theocracy regarded as infidels anyone that did not practice their religion.
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 infidel
In subsequent years, there have been mostly smaller, less deadly strikes that have targeted the government, police and anti-terrorism forces, as well as those considered infidels by militant groups.
—
NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
The ideology of the groups appears to categorize anyone not subscribing to their extremist views as infidels, whether Muslims or Christians.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
During the Crusades, the Inquisition, and countless pogroms, Jews were demonized as infidels who refused to abandon their faith, even under threat of death.
—Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025
War in Syria When the Syrian civil war erupted in March 2011, Syrian Druze were targeted at times by both the Assad regime, which pressured them to support it, and by Islamist rebel groups that regarded them as infidels.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for infidel
NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
The ideology of the groups appears to categorize anyone not subscribing to their extremist views as infidels, whether Muslims or Christians.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
During the Crusades, the Inquisition, and countless pogroms, Jews were demonized as infidels who refused to abandon their faith, even under threat of death.
—Avi Weiss, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025
War in Syria When the Syrian civil war erupted in March 2011, Syrian Druze were targeted at times by both the Assad regime, which pressured them to support it, and by Islamist rebel groups that regarded them as infidels.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for infidel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infidel
Noun
-
Examples include dissenters citing anti-war sentiments or disapproval of the government’s handling of the Epstein files.—
Maximilian Brichta,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Others have been prosecuted under a counterterrorism law that carries a potential death penalty and has been used to target political and armed opponents, journalists and other dissenters.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Then there’s Lola Wines, best known for its fresh, esoteric white wines, like Malvasia Bianca and Fiano, and the renegade Tank Garage Winery, beloved by millennials and Gen-Z for its one-off, offbeat blends with irreverent names.—
Jess Lander,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In an op-ed for Nikkei, a former lawmaker and one-time spokesperson for the previous Taiwanese president warned that the island — which China claims as a renegade province — was not doing enough to strengthen its energy independence and defense capabilities in the face of mainland pressure.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An idea could be forming despite unbelievers.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Furthermore, Christianity was a proselytizing religion, which commanded its followers to bring unbelievers into the fold.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nabavi has spent more than a decade in prison for his activism and is one of many dissidents who believe the war will not bring about positive outcomes for Iranians.—
Somayeh Malekian,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Iran’s government also has a long history of targeting dissidents abroad.—
Adam Geller,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infidel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infidel. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
