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Definitions

unholy

[uhn-hoh-lee] / ʌnˈhoʊ li /
ADJECTIVE
sacrilegious
Synonyms
STRONG
unhallowed
WEAK
base blameful corrupt culpable depraved dishonest evil godless guilty heinous immoral impious iniquitous irreligious irreverent irreverential profane sinful ungodly unsanctified vile wicked
Antonyms
WEAK
godly holy pious reasonable religious sensible
ADJECTIVE
outrageous
Synonyms
WEAK
appalling awful barbarous dreadful horrendous shocking uncivilized unearthly ungodly unnatural unreasonable
Antonyms
WEAK
godly holy pious reasonable religious sensible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A God’s-eye view captures sparks and flames tearing a circle around his unholy play.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Another opponent, Lord Patten, branded the bill an "unholy legislative mess" that he said could lead to death becoming the "default solution to perceived suffering".

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

Now one of Egypt's most sacred places - revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims - is at the heart of an unholy row over plans to turn it into a new tourism mega-project.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2025

These are images that evoke nature as a force at apparent odds with fashion, holy vs. unholy.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

“Imagine what unholy things a lesser man must hold within his secret heart.”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.