VICIOUS Synonyms: 397 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vicious' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vicious are corrupt , degenerate , iniquitous , nefarious , and villainous . While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence. // a vicious gangster

Q: Where would 'corrupt' be a reasonable alternative to 'vicious'?

The synonyms corrupt and vicious are sometimes interchangeable, but corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations. // city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

Q: In what contexts can 'degenerate' take the place of 'vicious'?

The words degenerate and vicious can be used in similar contexts, but degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition. // a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

Q: When could 'iniquitous' be used to replace 'vicious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vicious , iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness. // an iniquitous system of taxation

Q: When can 'nefarious' be used instead of 'vicious'?

In some situations, the words nefarious and vicious are roughly equivalent. However, nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct. // the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Q: When is it sensible to use 'villainous' instead of 'vicious'?

Although the words villainous and vicious have much in common, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic. // a villainous assault

vicious

adjective

ˈvi-shəs

Definition of vicious next

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect a vicious winter storm ripped through the region

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brutal

having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others she made a vicious effort to destroy the lives of the people who had wronged her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unlawful

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable a truly vicious person detested by almost everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in savage

violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition a vicious dog that has already bitten several people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it he spread vicious rumors about his ex-wife after their bitter divorce

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vicious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vicious are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, nefarious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

Where would corrupt be a reasonable alternative to vicious?

The synonyms corrupt and vicious are sometimes interchangeable, but corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

In what contexts can degenerate take the place of vicious?

The words degenerate and vicious can be used in similar contexts, but degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When could iniquitous be used to replace vicious?

While in some cases nearly identical to vicious, iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

When can nefarious be used instead of vicious?

In some situations, the words nefarious and vicious are roughly equivalent. However, nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

When is it sensible to use villainous instead of vicious?

Although the words villainous and vicious have much in common, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

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 vicious In April 2007, police raided Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in Surry, Virginia, and found 49 malnourished and injured pit bulls, along with the remains of dozens of dogs who had been killed — all part of a vicious dogfighting ring. —

Danielle Jennings, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Atayde plays a former special forces operative, now working as a security guard and struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who tries to save a woman being pursued by corrupt police and a vicious drugs cartel. —

Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024 In the third quarter, Locke delivered a vicious hit on Michael Pittman to knock the ball out of the Colts receiver’s hands. —

Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 16 Dec. 2024 This creates a vicious cycle where neither partner grows or heals. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vicious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vicious

Adjective

Media coverage of Walker’s messy private life has been intense.

Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Other times, the work requires more intense intervention.

Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024