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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:

Mr. Cook’s other claim to fame was unavoidable but required some iconoclasm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

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

Integral to his work’s profound effect is its sharp-eyed iconoclasm.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 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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