OpenSynonym

pagan

/ˈpeɪɡən/

NOUN

1. A follower of a non-mainstream or nature-based religion

A person who follows a religion outside the major established world religions, especially one involving polytheism, nature worship, or pre-Christian spiritual traditions.

1.1. Follower of a polytheistic or nature-based religion

A person who worships multiple deities or practices a spiritual tradition centered on nature, natural forces, or ancient religious beliefs.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The ancient pagan observed seasonal festivals honoring the forces of nature.
  • The historian studied the religious practices of a pagan community.

Related Words

1.2. Person outside an established religion

A person regarded by members of a particular religious tradition as an outsider or someone who does not follow their accepted religious beliefs.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • believer
  • Christian
  • Muslim
  • Jew

Examples

  • The medieval text referred to people outside the established faith as pagans.
  • The missionary attempted to convert the pagans living in the region.

Related Words

  • agnostic
  • atheist
  • freethinker
  • skeptic
  • heretic
  • misbeliever

NOUN

2. An uncivilized or unsocialized person

A person regarded as lacking social refinement, civilized behavior, or familiarity with accepted social customs.

2.1. Uncivilized or socially unrefined person

A person perceived as behaving rudely, lacking manners, or disregarding conventional standards of civilized conduct.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He behaved like a pagan at the formal dinner, ignoring every rule of etiquette.

Related Words

  • brute
  • ruffian
  • lout
  • uncultured person

NOUN

3. An unruly or badly behaved child

A child who behaves mischievously, disobediently, or without proper discipline.

3.1. Mischievous and unruly child

A child who is difficult to control because of disruptive, wild, or disobedient behavior.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • model child
  • well-behaved child

Examples

  • The little pagan ran through the house, scattering toys everywhere.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

4. Relating to non-mainstream or ancient religions

Associated with religious traditions outside the major established world religions, especially polytheistic, nature-based, or pre-Christian practices.

4.1. Polytheistic and nature-based religious traditions

Describing beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, or traditions involving multiple deities, nature worship, or ancient spiritual practices.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • monotheistic
  • Christian
  • Islamic
  • Jewish

Examples

  • The museum displayed artifacts from ancient pagan religious ceremonies.
  • The region preserved several pagan traditions that predated Christianity.

Related Words

  • animistic
  • druidic
  • shamanistic
  • pre-Christian
  • nature-based
  • idolatrous

4.2. Non-Christian or nonreligious in a religious classification

Describing people, practices, or beliefs considered outside the boundaries of a particular established religious tradition.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The text contrasted pagan customs with the religious practices of the Christian community.

Related Words

  • secular
  • agnostic
  • atheistic
  • heretical
  • nonbelieving

ADJECTIVE

5. Savage, immoral, or uncivilized

Characterized as wild, socially unacceptable, morally offensive, or lacking refinement according to conventional standards.

5.1. Wild and uncivilized behavior

Describing conduct considered primitive, unruly, or lacking the manners and refinement expected by society.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The travelers described the raiders' behavior as pagan and barbaric.

Related Words

5.2. Morally offensive or irreligious

Describing conduct or attitudes considered disrespectful toward religious beliefs, sacred practices, or accepted moral standards.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The preacher condemned what he considered pagan and irreverent behavior.

Related Words