heinousness

noun

Definition of heinousnessnext
as in badness
the state or quality of being utterly evil the heinousness of the Holocaust was only fully realized after the war

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 heinousness The case has captured the nation's attention for several reasons over the years, from the heinousness of the charges and the 1,000 survivors to questions about Epstein's connections to the rich and powerful, including the president. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heinousness
  1. badness
  2. sinfulness
  3. atrocity
  4. evilness
Noun
  • But, as part of a meticulous reconstruction of a type of eatery known for mediocre food, does its badness actually count as a mark of success?
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Leaping around in time, Gilroy draws us into Alex’s world with an effervescent wink at the badness of his behavior.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of badness
Noun
  • But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of sinfulness
Noun
  • Permanent members’ veto power must also be strictly limited, particularly when the Security Council considers cases of mass atrocities, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
    — Pedro Sánchez, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Both physicians worked at Nasser Medical Complex, saving lives amid wartime hardship and atrocities.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of atrocity
Noun
  • That was really what helped me into the character and into her evilness.
    — William Earl, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of evilness

Browse Nearby Words

heinous
heinousness
heir
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Cite this Entry

“Heinousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heinousness. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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