as in barbarian
not civilized
old missionaries who mistakenly thought that they were going off to China to tame the heathen hordes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pagan
a person who does not worship the God of the Bible
a study of the beliefs and practices of ancient heathens
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in primitive
an uncivilized person
European colonizers, who considered the New World peoples to be heathens, forced them to conform to European ways
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of heathen
Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 30 May 2019
Each essay will identify a contemporary issue, discuss it through the lens of heathen myths, and suggest a solution based on heathen ideals.
—Sigal Samuel, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2017
Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2022
To a heathen media person, Votto is the gift that keeps on giving.
—Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2021
See All Example Sentences for heathen
Adjective
Some of my brethren and sis-tren (sis-tren?) in the heathen media tribe get all riled up if a player or coach won’t speak to them.
—Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, 30 May 2019
Each essay will identify a contemporary issue, discuss it through the lens of heathen myths, and suggest a solution based on heathen ideals.
—Sigal Samuel, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2017
Noun
That behavior was induced by Balaam, the heathen prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Jews.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2022
To a heathen media person, Votto is the gift that keeps on giving.
—Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 18 Aug. 2021
See All Example Sentences for heathen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heathen
Adjective
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Ashley Johnson and star/executive producer Travis Willingham tee up what's coming for their soft barbarian lady.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Oct. 2025
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Bailey plays half-elf ranger Vex, O’Brien is her twin brother Vax, Willingham is the lovable barbarian Grog, Johnson is the holy gnome cleric Pike, Jaffe is the royal gunslinger Percy, Ray is magical half-elf druid Keyleth and Riegel is the raunchy gnome bard Scanlan.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Valentine's Day pagan connections One of the most common explanations is that Valentine's Day has its origins in the ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia.—
Marina Johnson,
IndyStar,
5 Feb. 2026
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Valentine's Day pagan connections One of the most common explanations is that Valentine's Day has its origins in the ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Burlington Antique Show Browse more than 200 dealers of antiques, vintage jewelry, primitives, garden and architectural elements, mid-century collectibles, memorabilia, Americana and retro/vintage furniture at this monthly outdoor antique market.—
Luann Gibbs,
The Enquirer,
14 Aug. 2024
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It can be used to achieve a lot of other cryptographic primitives.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
1 Aug. 2024
Adjective
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So, a thinking, opinionated, rude wind is just another amalgamation of human and other.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Things may be a bit fractious in NATO these days, but at Paris’ SS/2026 Haute Couture week, the civic side of the WWII Allies’ exchange looks in rude good health.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Today Iranians are mourning thousands of their fellow citizens who were massacred during savage crackdowns on recent protests in Iran.—
Ramin Jahanbegloo,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sons of Anarchy was praised for its stellar writing, operatic plotting, and cast of actors who breathed vivid life into their characters, giving even the most savage moments a dose of humanity.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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China is home to the largest population of wild snow leopards in the world, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, with the country harboring the majority of the global population.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Lakers were swept by Chicago in their two-game series last season, including a wild 119-117 loss at the United Center on Josh Giddey's half-court shot at the buzzer.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heathen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heathen. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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