blasphemous

adjective

ˈblas-fə-məs How to pronounce blasphemous (audio)
Definition of blasphemousnext
as in profane
not showing proper reverence for the holy or sacred Catholics used to believe that anyone but a priest touching a consecrated wafer was blasphemous

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 blasphemous Societies throughout history have punished language deemed blasphemous, seditious, inciting or slanderous. — Paul Quigley, The Conversation, 13 July 2026 Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026 This way of approaching the story would help make its portrait of Jesus all the more human, and, to some, all the more blasphemous. — Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 Borderline blasphemous, for an undrafted rookie. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for blasphemous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blasphemous
  1. atheistic
  2. secular
  3. sacrilegious
  4. impious
  5. irreverent
  6. pagan
  7. profane
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
  • Where nationalist politicians emphasize the secular state and military service, Haredim see their religious study as service to the Jewish community.
    — Hannah Ridge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Ben-Gvir, 50, was born into a relatively secular Jewish family of Iraqi and Kurdish descent in Mevaseret Zion, a suburb of Jerusalem.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of secular
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
  • 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
Definition of impious
Adjective
  • Basquiat carries over all five of Leonardo’s heads, along with the drawing’s irreverent edge.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This meta-adaptation of the 1953 musical, already an irreverent take on the century’s earlier stage spectacles, was another early hit for the director.
    — Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of irreverent
Adjective
  • And that strange mix of pagan Irish myth and Christianity is what has brought me to Tara, for this particular morning.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The expert was expected to say the positioning of the bodies, the branches on the remains, the outdoor location of the crime and knife wounds to the victims all were indications of pagan rituals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of pagan
Adjective
  • Seaver acknowledged being overly crude and profane in his messages to Nozell.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • People who post puerile, profane or belittling comments are protesters on a virtual street.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of profane

Browse Nearby Words

blaspheming
blasphemous
blasphemousness
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Cite this Entry

“Blasphemous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blasphemous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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