atheism

noun

athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce atheism (audio)
1
a
: a lack of belief or a strong disbelief in the existence of a god or any gods
b
: a philosophical or religious position characterized by disbelief in the existence of a god or any gods
2
archaic : godlessness especially in conduct : ungodliness, wickedness

Examples of atheism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In his autobiography Witness, Whittaker Chambers recounted that staring at his infant daughter’s ear while feeding her one morning provoked a crisis, ending his atheism. Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 22 Feb. 2024 These secular congregations often appeal to atheists and other secular people, but their main purpose is not promoting atheism. CBS News, 11 Jan. 2024 Satanism is no religion, but militant atheism is an ideology. Matthew Malec, National Review, 27 Dec. 2023 But most do not see atheism as an identity to seek community around. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 The communists, who espoused atheism and derided religions, sought to yoke Tibet to China by squashing its local culture and historical institutions; destroying Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, nunneries, and cultural artifacts; and suppressing the practice of the Tibetan Buddhist faith. Lobsang Sangay, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2023 Classical communism/Marxism-Leninism was explicitly state atheist (the exact opposite of theocracy with atheism violently enforced by the state). Karla Adam, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2023 Elizabeth and Calvin’s empirically minded atheism is often challenged by Christian characters—some generous true believers and others cruel charlatans. TIME, 13 Oct. 2023 Lewes used Spinoza to confirm his atheism, while Marian used him to question her faith. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atheism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French athéisme, from athée atheist, from Greek atheos godless, from a- + theos god

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of atheism was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near atheism

Cite this Entry

“Atheism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

atheism

noun
athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce atheism (audio)
: the belief that there is no God
atheist
-thē-əst
noun
atheistic
ˌā-thē-ˈis-tik
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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