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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Italian frequently invoked his potentially incendiary political and religious beliefs (socialism and atheism) in his analyses, and almost never engages in the kind of de-escalatory coachspeak that permeates most MLS press conferences. Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Her counterargument, essentially, is that his atheism, too, boils down to a kind of feeling. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 There’s nothing wrong with abandoning atheism per se, but upending worldviews should always be handled with care, caution, and available support. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 The life-celebrating movement initially rode atheism’s growing waves but welcomes a wide range of beliefs, said Ross Llewallyn of Sunday Assembly Atlanta. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for atheism 

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 3 Dec. 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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