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Showing results for heinous.
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.

That’s the kind of total breakdown that makes a court look terrible and, as we’ve seen, carries heinous real-world consequences.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 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

A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase said the firm regrets "any association" they had with Epstein, and added that the firm "did not help him commit his heinous acts".

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

The hunting of whales is a heinous crime.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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