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.

Sir Keir said the girls has "shown extraordinary bravery and strength in heinous circumstances".

From BBC • May 24, 2026

But in an attempt to make a cereal for men, the brand has created something arguably more heinous: Manosphere cereal.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

Ma supports the death penalty for those who kill police officers in the line of duty or commit heinous crimes against women and children.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Mr. West has said and done some truly heinous things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

He moaned the whole night through as if he had, in fact, been guilty of some heinous crime.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing heinous

Brave New World

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The Other Wes Moore

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "H"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!