Synonyms of impious

impious

adjective

ˈim-pē-əs 

as in atheistic

not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred

an impious act that horrified their pious mother

Synonyms & Similar Words

• atheistic
• sacrilegious
• blasphemous
• secular
• irreverent
• pagan
• profane
• heretical
• irreligious
• godless
• agnostic
• ungodly
• unholy
• unhallowed
• unconsecrated
• nonreligious
• religionless
• heathen
• miscreant
• paganish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pious
• reverent
• religious
• holy
• devout
• godly
• saintly
• worshipful
• prayerful
• sainted
• worshipping
• sacred
• consecrated
• sacrosanct
• sanctified
• hallowed
• God-fearing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of impious

Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies. — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

While no formal announcement has been made to update its longstanding alcohol ban, Andrew Leber of Tulane University said this is in line with the Kingdom’s past approach to such potentially impious reforms. — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

How impious is the title of sacred Majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is crumbling into dust! — Charles Hilu, Washington Post, 4 Nov. 2025

This game must have seemed profane to the Greeks, or even impious. — Simone Weil, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024

Both narratives, private and public, differently restrict our access, so the ideal historian will need great tact and an impious curiosity. — James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2023