1. people who hold religious beliefs that are contrary to the official doctrine of their church or religion
Usage: plural of heretic

Examples

• The church condemned the heretics for questioning official doctrine.
• During the Inquisition, many heretics were persecuted for their beliefs.
• The council declared them heretics and expelled them from the congregation.
• Medieval heretics often faced severe punishment for their dissenting views.
• The bishop warned against the teachings of local heretics.
• Some heretics formed their own religious communities outside the established church.