Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for heinous. Search instead for heimkulis.
Definitions

heinous

[hey-nuhs] / ˈheɪ nəs /
ADJECTIVE
horrifying, monstrous
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abhorrent abominable atrocious flagrant hateful hideous horrendous infamous nefarious odious outrageous revolting scandalous shocking unspeakable vicious
WEAK
accursed awful bad beastly crying cursed evil execrable flagitious frightful godawful grave gross iniquitous offensive raunchy stinking villainous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delightful friendly good kind likeable lovable mild moral nice pleasant pleasing respectable virtuous wonderful
WEAK
glorious lovely magnificent

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.

He also accused DOJ lawyers of destroying the office’s good standing with the judiciary and suggested that its incompetence has allowed defendants to evade just penalties for heinous crimes.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

The United Nations on Tuesday called the recent attacks "heinous and cowardly".

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

Meantime, heinous accusations are circulating against prominent people, without any evidence they’re true.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called the attack a "heinous crime".

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

Using it to keep any witch quiet now was considered a most heinous offense.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

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