opprobrious

adjective

op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
1
: expressive of opprobrium : scurrilous
opprobrious language
2
: deserving of opprobrium : infamous
opprobriously adverb
opprobriousness noun

Examples of opprobrious in a Sentence

an opprobrious attack on the alleged corruption in the police department contends that visiting a brothel is the sort of opprobrious conduct for which a public official should be censured
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Honor is not, in Mr. Sommers’s view, without its opprobrious aspects, not least its association with violence. Joseph Epstein, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin opprobriōsus, from Latin opprobrium opprobrium + -ōsus -ose entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opprobrious was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near opprobrious

Cite this Entry

“Opprobrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opprobrious. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

opprobrious

adjective
op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
: expressing very strong disapproval
the opprobrious term "murderer"
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