VILE Synonyms: 248 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vile' contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile . While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile , the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth. // a vile remark

Q: When can 'base' be used instead of 'vile'?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness. // base motives

Q: When is 'low' a more appropriate choice than 'vile'?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety. // refused to listen to such low talk

vile

adjective

ˈvī(-ə)l

Definition of vile next

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable a vile plot to murder their political enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nasty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a vile trick to play on someone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at an outfit with a truly vile combination of colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vile contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

When can base be used instead of vile?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than vile?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

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 vile Politicians spewing vile rhetoric rather than proposing remedies that unite more than divide. —

Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Murphy shapes his horrible narrative through vile and appalling character portrayals of Lyle and of me and disheartening slander. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 20 Oct. 2024 Still, an ongoing legal battle between Grant, Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE continues to be a vile elephant in the room. —

Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 Everyone from presidential candidates to sports fans have co-opted the title (despite the song being a pretty vile accusation of pedophilia). —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile

Adjective

Here's why At one point he’s basically indentured to almost comically evil thieves, who force him to crawl through small spaces in the rubble to steal for them.

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
The big difference between this show and that film is that there’s more than one body-hopping alien to contend with, and not all of them are evil.

Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024