Search Dictionary
Definition of heinous

heinous

/ˈheɪ.nəs/
hei · nous
Adverb:heinously
JUMP TO:

heinous Lexical Profile

heinous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Utterly odious, abominable, or wicked (typically of a wrongful act, offense, or crime).

Example

"The judge imposed the maximum sentence due to the heinous nature of the offense."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heinous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for heinous

Word Nuance & Usage

The word 'heinous' is most commonly pronounced 'HAY-nuhs' (/ˈheɪnəs/); the pronunciation 'HEE-nuhs' (/ˈhiːnəs/), though frequently heard in informal speech, is widely considered nonstandard.

• Rhymes for heinous

• Nearby Words

heighten
heilong
heinie
heinous
heinousness
heir
heiress

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'hainos' (hateful, odious), from 'haine' (hatred), which derives from the verb 'hair' (to hate), ultimately of Frankish and Proto-Germanic origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heinous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heinous
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.