heretical

American  

[huh-ret-i-kuhl] / həˈrɛt ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of heretics or heresy.

   Synonyms:

   radical, dissident, unconventional, unorthodox

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Other Word Forms

• heretically adverb
• hereticalness noun
• nonheretical adjective
• nonheretically adverb
• semiheretical adjective

Etymology

Origin of heretical

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word haereticālis. See heretic, -al ¹

Example Sentences

That view isn’t especially heretical among some Fed watchers, given disagreements about the role the Fed’s balance sheet plays in the markets.

From Barron's • Oct. 8, 2025

In this regard, she and Helaena hew closer to traditional medieval mysticism, which did not typically use sex for religious emancipation, rather than the practices ascribed to some of the more esoteric heretical sects.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

For the past year, two philosophy professors have been calling around to prominent authors and public intellectuals with an unusual, perhaps heretical, proposal.

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2024

For many Californians, especially the state’s political leaders, this is a heretical idea—like saying nobody in California’s going to surf anymore.

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2023

She could be his solid land in the tumultuous seas of his heretical thoughts.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman