iconoclastic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word iconoclastic is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means challenging the traditional views or authority. Example sentence: His iconoclastic opinions on the government's policies made his colleagues uncomfortable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A documentary about the iconoclastic Grace Jones has been in the ether for years, too.

The Guardian - Film

The Labour leader agreed to be interviewed on camera by the iconoclastic comedian, who has previously urged young people not to vote, in a video that had been due to be released this weekend until he was spotted visiting by a neighbour of Brand's in east London on Monday night.

The Guardian

The Netherlands' iconoclastic populist and Islam-baiter Geert Wilders is plotting a new campaign to rile the political establishment – a "resistance tour" of the country.

The Guardian

The Quebec question, they argue, is a hangover from the western world's febrile 1960s, whose iconoclastic baby-boomers are now growing old and irrelevant.

The Economist

The Saudis, with their puritanical and iconoclastic creed of Wahhabism, have made things much worse, he believes.

The Economist

The phrase, uttered most famously by an ailing Steve Jobs during his brief appearance at the launch of the iPad 2, is typical of the caustic hyperbole computerdom has come to expect from Apple's iconoclastic leader.

The Economist

Even today, efforts at Harvard to place more emphasis on the sciences (potentially replacing some wealthier white students with nerdy Asian-Americans) have attracted criticism that they might make the student body too one-dimensional instead of iconoclastic and well-rounded exactly the same style of disparaging argument used to justify the Jewell-rounded exactlyryear.

The Economist

It was always going to be hard to match the nationalists' iconoclastic zeal; nonetheless, the unionists' failure to compete on the ground has been shocking.

The Economist

Choose a number Reprints Related items The other Olympics: Passing the batonAug 7th 2008Others have more iconoclastic ideas.

The Economist

It is also an iconoclastic rebuttal of what he describes as the "official" history of the Enlightenment, the sort of history that he finds "cut in stone" on a visit to the Paris Panthéon.

The Economist

But he remains best known as the founding head of prime minister Edward Heath's "think-tank" in 1971 and for his long, ultimately turbulent connection with MI5.Many of the iconoclastic studies undertaken by the think-tank on subjecthink-tank ononcorde and the future of the coal indusubjectsped galvanispanningConcorde, but their influence wandlimithe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "iconoclastic", ensure the context clearly indicates what established beliefs, customs, or institutions are being challenged or attacked. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "iconoclastic" to describe something merely 'different' or 'new'. "Iconoclastic" specifically implies a challenge to something established, not just novelty. It's about disrupting existing norms, not just being unique.

Linguistic Context

The word "iconoclastic" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something or someone that attacks or challenges cherished beliefs or institutions. Ludwig shows many examples where "iconoclastic" describes individuals, ideas, or movements that deviate from conventional norms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "iconoclastic" is used to describe something or someone that challenges established beliefs or institutions. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. Its frequency of use is 'Very common', especially in News & Media. When using "iconoclastic", ensure that the context makes clear what norms are being challenged. Alternatives include "unconventional" and "rebellious", though "iconoclastic" carries a stronger connotation of active challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconventional

Focuses on the departure from established norms, without necessarily implying an attack on them.

unorthodox

Similar to unconventional, highlighting a deviation from traditional practices or beliefs.

rebellious

Emphasizes the act of defying or resisting authority or control.

maverick

Describes someone who is independent and resists adherence to a group.

heretical

Specifically relates to views that contradict established religious doctrine.

radical

Implies a departure from the norm in order to reach the root of the problem.

revolutionary

Suggests a complete overthrow of the existing order.

dissident

Focuses on disagreement with an established political system.

nonconformist

Highlights a refusal to adhere to accepted norms or practices.

unconventional thinker

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of challenging established ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "iconoclastic" in a sentence?

You can use "iconoclastic" to describe a person or thing that challenges established norms, such as, "His "iconoclastic" views on education reform sparked debate."

What is a synonym for "iconoclastic"?

Alternatives to "iconoclastic" include "unconventional", "unorthodox", or "rebellious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "iconoclastic" and "unconventional"?

"Iconoclastic" specifically implies a challenge or attack on established beliefs or institutions, whereas "unconventional" simply means not conforming to traditional norms without necessarily implying opposition.

Is it correct to say someone is "iconoclastic" if they just have different opinions?

Not necessarily. To be accurately described as "iconoclastic", someone must actively challenge or reject established norms, not merely hold different opinions. It's about the action of challenging, not just the difference in view.