religious
7 antonyms and opposites of religious, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Relating to religion or religious belief.
Antonyms
How to use religious
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French religieux, from Latin religiosus, "religious, conscientious."
Full origin of religious →Frequently asked questions
What does “religious” mean?
The word “religious” means relating to religion or religious belief. In plain terms, connected to religion, or devoted to something with almost religious dedication.
How do you pronounce “religious”?
“Religious” is pronounced rih-LIHJ-uhs (/ɹɪˈlɪd͡ʒ.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “religious” in a sentence?
Here is “religious” used in a sentence: “The town holds an annual religious festival.”
What is the opposite of “religious”?
The opposite of “religious” — its antonyms — are irreligious, profane, secular, atheistic and areligious.
What part of speech is “religious”?
“Religious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “religious” come from?
The word “religious” comes from Latin. From Old French religieux, from Latin religiosus, "religious, conscientious.".
Is “religious” a common word?
“Religious” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “religious” have?
“Religious” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to religion or religious belief.
What is the difference between 'religious' and 'spiritual'?
'Religious' means following an organized religion — its beliefs, practices, and traditions, often within a community. 'Spiritual' describes a personal sense of connection to something greater, which may exist entirely outside any formal religion. Many people call themselves spiritual but not religious, meaning they hold faith without belonging to an institution.
What is the opposite of 'religious'?
The main opposite is 'secular,' meaning not connected to religion — a secular school teaches no faith. 'Non-religious,' 'irreligious,' and 'atheist' also serve, depending on meaning: secular describes something separate from religion, while atheist describes a person who does not believe in any god.
Can 'religious' mean very dedicated?
Yes. Beyond faith, 'religious' is used informally to mean doing something with strict, unwavering regularity. To say someone is 'religious about going to the gym' means they never miss it. Here the word borrows the devotion associated with religious practice and applies it to an everyday habit.