Synonyms of nefarious

nefarious

adjective

ni-ˈfer-ē-əs 

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

the chaste heroines and nefarious villains of old-time melodramas

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evil
• unlawful
• immoral
• sinful
• vicious
• vile
• dark
• bad
• wicked
• villainous
• infamous
• rotten
• unethical
• corrupt
• wrong
• obscene
• iniquitous
• unsavory
• illegal
• unauthorized
• cruel
• improper
• offensive
• ugly
• unrighteous
• dirty
• nasty
• cursed
• sordid
• disreputable
• contemptible
• despicable
• ignoble
• infernal
• prohibited
• condemned
• naughty
• pernicious
• depraved
• forbidden
• reprehensible
• dishonest
• objectionable
• perverted
• atrocious
• unscrupulous
• ill
• noxious
• mean
• sick
• snide
• ungodly
• evil-minded
• unwholesome
• debauched
• unhealthy
• incorrect
• base
• censurable
• pestilential
• dissolute
• degenerate
• debased
• blameworthy
• scrofulous
• fallen
• libertine
• unseemly
• unprincipled
• loose
• proscribed
• blamable
• miserable
• outlawed
• wretched
• unclean
• execrable
• barred
• dishonorable
• low-minded
• indecent
• discouraged
• errant
• low
• vulgar
• lousy
• reprobate
• disallowed
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• curst
• erring
• cussed
• banned
• interdicted
• defiling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moral
• legitimate
• good
• ethical
• honorable
• noble
• virtuous
• right
• legal
• righteous
• decent
• sublime
• high
• honest
• lofty
• scrupulous
• just
• reputable
• permissible
• upright
• permitted
• elevated
• principled
• authorized
• licensed
• endorsed
• proper
• approved
• high-minded
• sanctioned
• correct
• promoted
• allowed
• decent
• supported
• exemplary
• clean
• innocent
• pure
• perfect
• seemly
• white
• decorous
• law-abiding
• commendable
• creditable
• wholesome
• encouraged
• worthy
• blameless
• guiltless
• unobjectionable
• abetted
• venerable
• immaculate
• inoffensive
• incorruptible
• irreproachable
• indorsed
• spotless
• esteemed
• chaste
• uncorrupted
• respected
• unerring
• squeaky-clean
• lily-white
• unfallen
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective nefarious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nefarious are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Where would corrupt be a reasonable alternative to nefarious?

While in some cases nearly identical to nefarious, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When could degenerate be used to replace nefarious?

In some situations, the words degenerate and nefarious are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When can iniquitous be used instead of nefarious?

The words iniquitous and nefarious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

When might vicious be a better fit than nefarious?

The meanings of vicious and nefarious largely overlap; however, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

When would villainous be a good substitute for nefarious?

While the synonyms villainous and nefarious are close in meaning, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nefarious

The town itself is also undergoing a massive urban re-development initiative led by Quasartico — which definitely reeks of gentrification and will probably be nefarious in the long run. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025

No telling yet whether that’s a sign of good will or an indication of something nefarious at play. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025

Corrupt superheroes, nefarious loan sharks, ghostly visitors and hilarious adventures in a galaxy far, far away. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

On the topic of Batel's connection to the Vezda and her ultimate role as a warden of these nefarious multidimensional creatures, Goldsman ties it back to sci-fi master Larry Niven. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!