unholy
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for unholy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not holy; wicked, evil, or sacrilegious.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use unholy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English unhāliġ, from un- + holy.
Full origin of unholy →Frequently asked questions
What does “unholy” mean?
The word “unholy” means not holy; wicked, evil, or sacrilegious. In plain terms, evil or sacrilegious, or (informally) used to mean "terrible/extreme," as in "an unholy mess.".
How do you pronounce “unholy”?
“Unholy” is pronounced uhn-HOH-lee (/ʌnˈhəʊli/ in IPA).
How do you use “unholy” in a sentence?
Here is “unholy” used in a sentence: “The cult performed an unholy ritual in the abandoned church.”
What is another word for “unholy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “unholy” include common, impious, impure, mishallowed, profane and unhallowed.
What is the opposite of “unholy”?
The opposite of “unholy” — its antonyms — is holy.
What part of speech is “unholy”?
“Unholy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unholy” come from?
The word “unholy” comes from Old English. From Old English unhāliġ, from un- + holy.
How many meanings does “unholy” have?
“Unholy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not holy; wicked, evil, or sacrilegious.