Heinous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈhā-nəs/ hei·nous

Meaning & Definition of Heinous

Heinous (adjective)

  1. hatefully or shockingly evil, abominable

Heinous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. very bad or evil; deserving of hate or contempt

    "These murders were especially heinous."

    "the heinous brutality of the attack"

    similar: atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, horrendous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile, abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, rancid, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, sickening, ugly, exceptionable, objectionable, brackish, disagreeable, dislikable, unpleasant, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hard, hateful, unhealthy, unsavory, unwholesome, execrable, lousy, miserable, off-putting, undesirable, unwanted, unwelcome, barbarous, unchristian, uncivilized, ungodly, unholy, distressing, disturbing, upsetting
    opposite: acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed, congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory, sweet, welcome, unexceptionable, unobjectionable, healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome, innocuous, inoffensive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Heinous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Heinous:

atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, horrendous, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, sick, sickish, sickly, terrible, unspeakable, vile, abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Heinous

Words with the opposite meaning of Heinous:

acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed, congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory, sweet

Word Forms of Heinous

Derived words: heinously (adverb), heinousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Heinous

Middle English, from Anglo-French hainus, heinous, from haine hate, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German haz hate hate

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Heinous

What does "Heinous" mean?

"Heinous" means hatefully or shockingly evil, abominable. As an adjective, it is defined as: hatefully or shockingly evil, abominable.

What is another word for "Heinous"?

Other words for "Heinous" include atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, horrendous and horrific. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Heinous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Heinous"?

There are 81 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Heinous". Common alternatives include atrocious, frightful, ghastly, grim, grisly, gruesome, horrendous, horrific, horrifying and lurid.

What is the opposite of "Heinous"?

Antonyms of "Heinous" include acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed, congenial and darling.

How do you use "Heinous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Heinous" in a sentence: "These murders were especially heinous."; "the heinous brutality of the attack".

Is "Heinous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Heinous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Heinous"?

"Heinous" is pronounced /ˈhā-nəs/ and divided into syllables as hei·nous.

What is the origin of the word "Heinous"?

"Heinous" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French hainus, heinous, from haine hate, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German haz hate hate. First known use: 14th century.