atheism

noun

athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce atheism (audio)
1
a
: a lack of belief or a strong disbelief in the existence of a god or any gods
b
: a philosophical or religious position characterized by disbelief in the existence of a god or any gods
2
archaic : godlessness especially in conduct : ungodliness, wickedness

Examples of atheism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There’s nothing wrong with abandoning atheism per se, but upending worldviews should always be handled with care, caution, and available support. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 The life-celebrating movement initially rode atheism’s growing waves but welcomes a wide range of beliefs, said Ross Llewallyn of Sunday Assembly Atlanta. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024 The campaign Vance’s Catholic conversion is part of young conservative movement JD Vance, the senator from Ohio who is now the GOP’s vice-presidential nominee, was baptized Catholic in 2019 after being raised nominally evangelical and then dabbling with atheism. Alec Dent, Washington Post, 29 July 2024 Raised nominally evangelical, then dabbling with atheism, Vance was baptized Catholic in 2019, in his mid-30s. Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for atheism 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French athéisme, from athée atheist, from Greek atheos godless, from a- + theos god

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of atheism was in 1546

Dictionary Entries Near atheism

Cite this Entry

“Atheism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atheism. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

atheism

noun
athe·​ism ˈā-thē-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce atheism (audio)
: the belief that there is no God
atheist
-thē-əst
noun
atheistic
ˌā-thē-ˈis-tik
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!