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Synonyms

iconoclasm

American  
[ahy-kon-uh-klaz-uhm] / aɪˈkɒn əˌklæz əm /

noun

  1. the action or spirit of iconoclasts.


iconoclasm British  
/ aɪˈkɒnəˌklæzəm /

noun

  1. the acts or beliefs of an iconoclast

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of iconoclasm

1790–1800; iconocl(ast) + -asm on model of such pairs as enthusiast: enthusiasm

Vocabulary lists containing iconoclasm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In more recent decades, a spirit of iconoclasm eclipsed the spirit of commemoration.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 3, 2025

Although visually very different, the show’s best work shares a free-wheeling iconoclasm with major Ferus artists like Ed Ruscha and Robert Irwin.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 1, 2023

The Israeli government expressed alarm over the defacement, which officials also attributed to Jewish iconoclasm in obedience to early prohibitions against idolatry.

From Seattle Times Oct. 6, 2023

On the contrary: He reveled in precocity, cheekiness, iconoclasm and snark.

From New York Times May 22, 2023

Celia’s destination was Havana, with her Great-Aunt Alicia, known for her cooking and her iconoclasm.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

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