NEFARIOUS Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

nefarious

adjective

ni-ˈfer-ē-əs

Definition of nefarious next

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable the chaste heroines and nefarious villains of old-time melodramas

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of nefarious What was nefarious about wanting to play them more frequently? —

Sam Lee, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024 Kennedy suggested in the 2017 speech that the walled access is nefarious. —

Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024 While these may be used for legitimate data analysis purposes, malicious skimmers that hide their identity are used to extract data for nefarious purposes. —

Rupesh Chokshi, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 But in recent years, a fringe theory has gained prominence for arguing that seed oils are toxic, put into food by a nefarious elite—including Big Pharma, the FDA, and food manufacturers—to keep Americans unhealthy and dependent. —

Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nefarious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nefarious

Adjective

Millions of people around the world celebrate the Persian festival of Yalda, which marks the sunrise after the longest night of the year, said to be the night evil forces held the most power.

Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Much like 2014’s Ouija, a group of tedious teens unleash an evil entity haunting a specific set of tarot cards.

Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024