antinomian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Quick answer
What does “antinomian” mean?
A person who believes that faith or grace frees them from the obligation to obey moral laws or established religious rules.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who believes that faith or grace frees them from the obligation to obey moral laws or established religious rules.
In broader, often secular contexts, it describes a person who rejects or is indifferent to established laws, norms, or conventions, advocating for individual liberty over societal rules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and context, predominantly in theological, philosophical, and historical academic discourse.
Connotations
In both dialects, it connotes a rejection of moral or legal constraints, often with negative implications of irresponsibility or anarchy.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic writing due to historical theological debates within the Church of England.
Grammar
How to Use “antinomian” in a Sentence
[be verb] + antinomian[accuse/label/describe] + [someone] + as antinomianantinomian + noun (e.g., beliefs, ideas)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antinomian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group was accused of seeking to antinomianise the church's traditional teachings.
- He didn't just critique the law; he sought to antinomian against it.
American English
- The preacher was charged with antinomianizing his congregation, leading to social disorder.
- Their philosophy effectively antinomians all conventional morality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious history, philosophy, and political theory to describe doctrines or thinkers rejecting moral law.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound highly academic or pretentious.
Technical
A precise theological term with a specific historical meaning related to justification and sanctification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antinomian”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antinomian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antinomian”
- Misspelling as 'antinominan' or 'antonomian'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'rebellious' without its theological/intellectual nuance.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable (AN-ti-nomian) instead of the third (an-ti-NO-mian).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically negative or critically descriptive, implying a dangerous rejection of necessary moral or social laws. It is rarely used as a self-description except in provocative intellectual contexts.
Yes, but it remains a formal, academic word. It can describe any philosophy or person rejecting established norms or laws (e.g., in art or politics), but the theological connotations of 'moral lawlessness' often linger.
Antinomianism. It refers to the doctrine or belief system itself.
An anarchist rejects political authority and the state. An antinomian specifically rejects moral or religious law. While there is overlap (an anarchist may also be antinomian), antinomianism focuses on the ethical/religious dimension. All antinomians are not necessarily political anarchists.
A person who believes that faith or grace frees them from the obligation to obey moral laws or established religious rules.
Antinomian is usually formal, academic, theological in register.
Antinomian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪˈnəʊmɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntɪˈnoʊmiən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-NOMIAN = against (ANTI) NOMOS (Greek for law). Someone who is against the law.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/LAW IS A BOND/CHAIN; thus, being antinomian is BREAKING FREE FROM CHAINS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'antinomian' MOST precisely and originally used?