atheism

noun

athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌi-zəm 

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

However, some Druids—especially those who identify simultaneously as Christians—are monotheists, while still others subscribe to pantheism, atheism, and other perspectives on divinity. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Beginning in the 1870s, atheism and indifference to religion became popular, especially among younger intellectuals. — David Mislin, The Conversation, 26 June 2026

Soviet atheism failed to erase it. — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

At the same time, evangelists of a robust atheism—figures such as the biologist Richard Dawkins, the critic Christopher Hitchens, and the neuroscientist Sam Harris—toured the country offending salt-of-the-earth Americans with their contempt for religious belief. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for atheism

• peroxisome

Kids Definition

atheism

noun

athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌiz-əm 

: the belief that there is no God

atheist

-thē-əst

noun

atheistic

ˌā-thē-ˈis-tik

adjective