nonbeliever

noun

non·​be·​liev·​er ˌnän-bə-ˈlē-vər How to pronounce nonbeliever (audio)
Synonyms of nonbelievernext
: a person who is not a believer
… a well-known nonbeliever in holiday sales or discounts …—Seung Lee
a nonbeliever in ghosts
especially : atheist
… had grown up in the West and gone to college as a nonbeliever in the Bible Belt … —Tim Keown

Examples of nonbeliever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Such processions draw the faithful as well as droves of nonbelievers and tourists. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026 When Hegseth tries to don the armor of a warrior priest, the result is a rancid mess that should offend believers and nonbelievers alike. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2026 The establishment clause is meant to protect everyone, including, by the way, nonbelievers and atheists. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 15 Apr. 2026 That principle protects believers and nonbelievers alike. — David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonbeliever

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonbeliever was in 1649

Rhymes for nonbeliever

See All Rhymes for nonbeliever

Browse Nearby Words

nonbelief
nonbeliever
nonbelligerency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonbeliever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonbeliever. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nonbeliever

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nonbeliever

Nglish: Translation of nonbeliever for Spanish Speakers

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