atheism

noun

Definition of atheismnext
as in godlessness

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of atheism 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 Although atheism is often associated with hyperrationality, this form of it is unapologetically irrational. — Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atheism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atheism
  1. agnosticism
  2. unbelief
  3. disbelief
  4. doubt
Noun
  • If agnosticism can be encapsulated in a guitar solo, White has pulled that off.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 July 2026
  • Others joked about returning to the Catholic Church after a lifetime of agnosticism and atheism.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of agnosticism
Noun
  • My own passage into and back out of unbelief—one marked by a close reading of works that earlier illiberal societies had attempted to suppress on religious grounds—has strengthened my liberal commitments.
    — Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • But the indirect benefits seem to reflect a posture against green energy, related to unbelief in climate change, and these lead to support for inefficient energy alternatives like nuclear and geothermal and gas-fired turbines.
    — Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of unbelief
Noun
  • For another four hours, the Red Sox sat at the gate at Midway in disbelief.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 11 July 2026
  • After hearing all his accomplishments and accolades from his 40+ year career, Yoshiki is taken aback in disbelief.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of disbelief
Noun
  • But the public show of confidence hasn’t quieted longstanding doubts about Collins’ chances of ousting Ossoff.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • The unity shown in Ankara will only stimulate additional doubts over Moscow’s capacity to end the conflict favorably.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of doubt

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Cite this Entry

“Atheism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atheism. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atheism

Nglish: Translation of atheism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atheism

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