impious

adjective

ˈim-pē-əs How to pronounce impious (audio)
Definition of impiousnext
as in atheistic
not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred an impious act that horrified their pious mother

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impious
  1. atheistic
  2. sacrilegious
  3. blasphemous
  4. secular
  5. irreverent
  6. pagan
Adjective
  • His father's death during World War II influenced his pursuit of the ministry even amid the officially atheistic communist regime of the Soviet Union, according to his obituary on the OCU website.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • But there has been a recent rise in secular congregations that explicitly mimic religious organizations and rituals to celebrate atheistic worldviews.
    — Jacqui Frost, The Conversation, 11 Jan. 2024
Definition of atheistic
Adjective
  • The tweak The Improper Pig made to a coveted Southern brunch dish might be considered sacrilegious in some kitchens, but the result is a delicious argument for bending tradition.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • As sacrilegious as this might sound to devout Bears fans, Johnson was equipped inside Halas Hall this offseason with Green Bay Packers highlights as a teach tape.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of sacrilegious
Adjective
  • When a new Star Trek series was announced in 1987, many OG fans found the very idea blasphemous.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Intizar Masih is awaiting trial for a blasphemous post he is said to have shared on WhatsApp in 2023.
    — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of blasphemous
Adjective
  • Some younger attendees on Saturday said Leo's humane tone and emphasis on care for the vulnerable resonated beyond the faithful in their secular country as people grapple with a turbulent world.
    — ISABEL DEBRE, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The most vociferous opposition has come from Avigdor Lieberman, head of the right-wing secular Yisrael Beiteinu party.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of secular
Adjective
  • The host was once positioned as an irreverent comedian whose political satire was guided by his no-BS take on Capitol Hill and American culture.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Above Average is billed as an irreverent look at celebrity culture, corporate power and society’s obsession with being exceptional.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of irreverent
Adjective
  • Still, further research is needed to fully explain the motives and rationale behind the reuse of pagan tombs and sarcophagi during the medieval Christian period, Roffey told CNN in an email.
    — Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Long used in pagan rituals and spell casting—typically placed on dedicated altars—candles are seen as the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of pagan

Browse Nearby Words

impinging
impious
impish
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Cite this Entry

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

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