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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sordid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject, ignoble, and mean. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Where would abject be a reasonable alternative to sordid?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than sordid?

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When can mean be used instead of sordid?

The words mean and sordid can be used in similar contexts, but mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

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 sordid This particular pair of ruby slippers has a more sordid past than its prop siblings. Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024 Koul interviewed Francis at his compound in Mexico about the history of Girls Gone Wild and his sordid history with the company, including alleged assaults. Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2024 Then—arriving, just as in The Hills of California, from that dreamy place of bigger, brighter lives and their sordid flip side—there’s the baby, Amber (Lauren E. Banks). Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 The result is a sordid yet realistic portrait of the underbelly of Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam district. Regina Kim, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sordid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
  • In the earlier seasons of the show, characters were often filthy, caked with dirt and blood, clothes tattered.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • My father was living alone in that dark, filthy room like an old animal wallowing in its own excrement.
    Lee Chang-dong, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Yes, the internet facilitates stupid vile behaviours.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • And quoted my column, earning me weeks of vile hate messages from across the nation.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Other members of the gang include Charlie’s younger sister, the bothersome Sally; kind Franklin and musical Schroeder; sporty Peppermint Patty and respectful Marcie; dusty Pigpen and the loyal bird Woodstock.
    Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
  • So, pack your suitcase, open up that dusty atlas that’s been sitting on your bookshelf — untouched — and prepare to take a trip around the world with these place names for girls!
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This set also comes with a shoe bag that has two compartments and can double as a laundry bag for dirty clothes during your trip.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The door to the laundry room is made of textured glass, so dirty clothes are hidden, but light continues to flow into the apartment.
    Katharina Schwarze, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • My first game was 1976 when a sublime Peter Taylor free kick beat an unrecognisable Chelsea at a very muddy and different Stamford Bridge.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Think deep plums with muddy undertones, like BEHR’s 2025 Color of the Year, Rumors.
    Cyndy Aldred, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The net front is the nastiest place on an NHL rink.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The second season trailer, which dropped on Wednesday, sees the title character who is played by Amer, who co-created the series with Ramy Youssef, trying to get back into the U.S. from Mexico after becoming entangled with nasty coyotes at the end of the first season in 2022.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2022
  • There are no glamorous furnishings — just a French window, its blackened panes suggesting the dark of night.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Growing shares in each party describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans.
    NBC News, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Last week’s interview saw CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil speak with author Ta-Nehisi Coates about his new book The Message, which passionately argues that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is immoral and should be condemned.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sordid

Cite this Entry

“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sordid

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