atheism

noun athe·ism \ ˈā-thē-ˌi-zəm \

Updated on: 28 Mar 2018

Definition of atheism

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

See atheism defined for kids

Recent Examples of atheism from the Web

Early critics of anesthesia worried that, by taking away the Biblical curse of pain in childbirth, ether would lead to atheism.

— ellen wayland-smith, Longreads, "Death Rattle: The Body’s Betrayals," 21 Mar. 2018
The charges once lobbed against Christians — atheism, superstition — were turned against pagan people.

— tom bissell, New York Times, "Why Did Christianity Prevail?," 13 Feb. 2018
Which is to say, homosexuality grew up, the same way atheism grew up, the same way a great many subcultures grow up.

— kevin d. williamson, National Review, "Devil May Care," 10 Jan. 2018
As the movement grew, atheism started to appear more socially acceptable.

— isabel fattal, The Atlantic, "How Should Atheism Be Taught?," 31 Jan. 2018
Items on display will include Ice Age depictions of mystical beings, an 18th-century replica of a Hindu ceremonial chariot, a Buddhist monk mask, a Japanese Shinto fox deity figure, and posters relating to Soviet scientific atheism.

— sarah maiellano, USA TODAY, "Best European museum exhibits: Pink Floyd, Dutch Masters and more," 26 Jan. 2018
The accusations, which Fayadh’s lawyers said stemmed from a personal dispute, included charges that his poetry had promoted atheism.

— kareem fahim, Washington Post, "As Saudi Arabia relaxes its controls on culture and entertainment, artists dream — and worry," 10 Jan. 2018
Percy Shelley penned a poem that became his declaration of atheism; Mont Blanc as the antithesis of Mount Sinai.

— The Economist, "Trouble on the slopesWinter sports face a double threat, from climate and demographic change," 25 Jan. 2018
One does not today need a supporting bureaucracy to safely practice atheism.

— kevin d. williamson, National Review, "Devil May Care," 10 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'atheism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of atheism

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1546

See Words from the same year

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

Learn More about atheism

See words that rhyme with atheism Spanish Central: Translation of atheism Nglish: Translation of atheism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of atheism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atheism

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up atheism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

atheism

Definition of atheism

Recent Examples of atheism from the Web

Origin and Etymology of atheism

Other Philosophy Terms

Learn More about atheism

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

Dictionary Devil

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

atheism

Definition of atheism

Recent Examples of atheism from the Web

Origin and Etymology of atheism

Other Philosophy Terms

Learn More about atheism

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes