nonbeliever

American  

[non-bi-lee-ver] / ˌnɒn bɪˈli vər /

noun

1. a person who lacks belief or faith, as in God, a religion, an idea, or an undertaking.

   Synonyms:

   cynic, questioner, skeptic, doubter

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nonbeliever British  

/ ˌnɒnbɪˈliːvə /

noun

1. a person who does not believe, esp in God and religion

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Other Word Forms

• nonbelieving
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nonbeliever

non- + believer ( def. )

Example Sentences

Although he’s been questioning religion since he was 10 years old, he thinks that over time his status as a nonbeliever became too much of a barrier for some members of that group.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2023

When the megaphone called out for the daily Islamic prayers, the nonbeliever grabbed his prayer beads and ambled through the streets to join others at the mosque in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

As a lapsed Catholic and nonbeliever I have avoided Mass, prayer and religion because to participate I would feel like a faker.

From New York Times • May 21, 2022

Henry argued in 1976 that all Christian doctrine can be rationally explained and can persuade any nonbeliever.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2022

We pray for my grandfather ask God to spare him even though he's a nonbeliever.

From "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson