What Is Another Way to Say “Non-Religious”?

Looking for synonyms for non-religious? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say non-religious.

  • Secular
  • Non-spiritual
  • Irreligious
  • Unspiritual
  • Nonsectarian
  • Non-ecclesiastical
  • Non-clerical
  • Non-theistic
  • Non-faith-based
  • Laic
  • Earthly
  • Temporal
  • Worldly
  • Lay
  • Humanistic
  • Profane
  • Non-denominational
  • Unreligious
  • Agnostic
  • Atheistic

Want to learn how to say non-religious professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Secular

“Secular” is used to describe concepts, attitudes, or activities that have no religious or spiritual basis.

Example: “The organization operates on a secular basis, focusing on humanitarian efforts rather than religious beliefs.”

2. Non-Spiritual

“Non-spiritual” refers to things not connected with religious or spiritual matters.

Example: “The conference focuses on non-spiritual aspects of wellness, like physical health and exercise.”

3. Irreligious

“Irreligious” describes an indifference or lack of religion.

Example: “Their approach to life is largely irreligious, favoring scientific explanations over religious beliefs.”

4. Unspiritual

“Unspiritual” is used to describe something not concerned with spirituality.

Example: “The discussion in the meeting was focused on practical, unspiritual solutions to the problem.”

5. Nonsectarian

“Nonsectarian” indicates that something does not affiliate with or adhere to the dogmas of any sect of a religion.

Example: “The school is nonsectarian, welcoming students from all backgrounds.”

6. Non-Ecclesiastical

“Non-ecclesiastical” refers to things not related to a church or its practices and organization.

Example: “The funding for the project is non-ecclesiastical, sourced from private sector investors.”

7. Non-Clerical

“Non-clerical” is used for activities or positions outside the clergy or church.

Example: “They were looking to fill a non-clerical role in the organization’s administrative department.”

8. Non-Theistic

“Non-theistic” refers to beliefs or philosophies that do not focus on the worship of a deity or deities.

Example: “The philosophy of the group is non-theistic, focusing on moral values rather than religious doctrines.”

9. Non-Faith-Based

“Non-faith-based” indicates that something does not relate to or require religious faith.

Example: “The charity is a non-faith-based organization, serving all people regardless of their religious affiliations.”

10. Laic

“Laic” is often used to denote lay people in contrast to the clergy, or things not related to the clergy.

Example: “The laic members of the committee provide a different perspective from the clergy.”

11. Earthly

“Earthly” implies a focus on the physical world as opposed to spiritual realms.

Example: “The policy addresses earthly concerns like environmental conservation and urban development.”

12. Temporal

“Temporal” is used in contrast to spiritual, relating to worldly as opposed to heavenly affairs.

Example: “The temporal authority of the government extends to civic matters, not religious ones.”

13. Worldly

“Worldly” describes concerns or possessions of the material world, rather than spiritual ones.

Example: “Their approach to business is very worldly, prioritizing material success.”

14. Lay

“Lay” refers to someone not belonging to the clergy or to a particular profession.

Example: “Lay individuals are often invited to the panel to provide a non-expert perspective.”

15. Humanistic

“Humanistic” pertains to a rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters.

Example: “The university’s approach to education is humanistic, emphasizing the value and agency of human beings.”

16. Profane

“Profane” denotes secular rather than sacred things; not pertaining to or respectful of religious practices.

Example: “The discussions in the seminar remained strictly profane, focusing on legislative matters.”

17. Non-Denominational

“Non-denominational” refers to activities or institutions not restricted to any specific religious denomination.

Example: “The community service program is non-denominational, welcoming volunteers from all faiths and beliefs.”

18. Unreligious

“Unreligious” is used to describe attitudes or behaviors not influenced by or showing a lack of religion.

Example: “The workshop offers an unreligious approach to meditation, focusing on mindfulness and stress reduction.”

19. Agnostic

“Agnostic” refers to a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God.

Example: “Their agnostic viewpoint makes them focus on questions of ethics without involving religious doctrine.”

20. Atheistic

“Atheistic” describes a lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Example: “The group’s atheistic stance is reflected in their secular humanitarian work.”

Linda Brown