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Wordabulary

iconoclast

Pronunciation
Noun B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

A person who challenges or attacks widely accepted beliefs, traditions, or institutions.

"The artist was seen as an iconoclast for rejecting every convention of traditional painting."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

rebel dissenter

Antonyms

traditionalist conformist

Usage notes

Literally, an iconoclast was someone who destroyed religious images; the modern sense is almost entirely figurative.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "The artist was seen as an _____ for rejecting every convention of traditional painting."

Answer: iconoclast

In your own words, what does "iconoclast" mean?

A person who challenges or attacks widely accepted beliefs, traditions, or institutions.

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