VILE Synonyms: 248 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vile' contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile . While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile , the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth. // a vile remark

Q: When can 'base' be used instead of 'vile'?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness. // base motives

Q: When is 'low' a more appropriate choice than 'vile'?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety. // refused to listen to such low talk

vile

adjective

ˈvī(-ə)l

Definition of vile next

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable a vile plot to murder their political enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nasty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a vile trick to play on someone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at an outfit with a truly vile combination of colors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vile contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

When can base be used instead of vile?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than vile?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of vile Flash forward 92-plus years to Donald Trump’s rally Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a bleak, lurid festival of racist hate and profane vituperation so vile that even fellow Republicans, who have turned a blind eye to Trump’s character for years, are distancing themselves from the event. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024 The mass protests, vile sound bites, revolving door to his administration, and constant threats of violence and war have been exhausting. —

Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 24 Oct. 2024 Their delight does not, in fact, make the kill any less vile. 11. —

Barry Levitt, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024 The disgusting, horrible, vile state of the kitchens in Key West’s restaurant industry. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile

Adjective

Here's why At one point he’s basically indentured to almost comically evil thieves, who force him to crawl through small spaces in the rubble to steal for them.

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The big difference between this show and that film is that there’s more than one body-hopping alien to contend with, and not all of them are evil.

Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024