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Synonyms for

Heinous

Adjective / ˈheɪnʌs / Another word for heinous — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

extremely wicked or shockingly evil

Synonyms & similar words

flagitious atrocious outrageous horrible vile abominable monstrous odious repugnant despicable abhorrent disgusting terrible offensive dreadful execrable appalling wretched detestable foul shocking

Synonyms by register

Formal

atrocious abominable egregious monstrous

Informal

awful terrible dreadful ghastly

Literary

foul vile wicked

Antonyms

good virtuous noble kind decent admirable benevolent

Common collocations

  • heinous crime
  • heinous act
  • heinous offense
  • heinous deed
  • heinous behavior
  • heinous cruelty
  • heinous intent

Word family

noun heinousness
adverb heinously

Usage note

Heinous is a strong adjective used to describe acts that are extremely wicked or evil. It is typically used in formal contexts, especially when referring to crimes.

Compare "heinous" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The heinous act of bullying is not tolerated at school.
  2. The criminal's heinous actions resulted in a life sentence.
  3. The thought of committing such a heinous crime makes me sick.
  4. The dictator's heinous regime caused much suffering for his people.
  5. The heinous murder of innocent civilians shocked the entire nation.

Quotes

  • The most heinous and the most cruel crimes of which history has record have been committed under the cover of religion or equally noble motives. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • It is a heinous act to manufacture a war. - Howard Zinn
  • The heinous crime of the Nazis was to dehumanize people. - Simon Wiesenthal

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