Atheism, n.
Etymology: [Cf. F. athéisme. See Atheist.]
1. The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being. Atheism is a ferocious system, that leaves nothing above us to excite awe, nor around us to awaken tenderness. R. Hall. Atheism and pantheism are often wrongly confounded. Shipley.
2. Godlessness.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists atheism only as an antonym, under religion.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given