1
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
2
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
3
as in ugly
unpleasant to look at
an outfit with a truly vile combination of colors
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vile
The bleak tortures Ohm concocts for his characters are as vile as the Bilberry’s fetid jacuzzi.
—
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s something vile, yet attractive about the film, an encapsulation of the fact that people and the internet are downright weird.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
But perhaps the vilest and most frequently used slur directed at the First Eight and their constituents was the N-word.
—CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
While some commenters may argue that even their most hateful and vile statements are protected by freedom of expression principles, this may not be true, because private corporations that host comment spaces do not have to allow all types of speech.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vile
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s something vile, yet attractive about the film, an encapsulation of the fact that people and the internet are downright weird.
—Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
But perhaps the vilest and most frequently used slur directed at the First Eight and their constituents was the N-word.
—CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
While some commenters may argue that even their most hateful and vile statements are protected by freedom of expression principles, this may not be true, because private corporations that host comment spaces do not have to allow all types of speech.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile
Adjective
-
Its tone is of a noir film, and begins with a missing persons mystery while gradually spinning out to reveal a world full of of fascist, evil mice.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
-
The film also stars Jared Leto as He-Man's evil nemesis, Skeletor.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Flu season may be mostly behind us, but a nasty, highly contagious stomach bug is rising.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Rhaenyra is suddenly dealing with internal criticism, possible rebellions, subjects spray-painting nasty stuff on the walls and self-doubt.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lemieux was 37, and had a reputation as one of those players who knew where to be, and when, around the ugly areas on the ice in a playoff game.—
Mac Engel
May 29,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
-
We, viewers and voters, are subjected to very ugly photographs and rhetoric.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Players take on the role of one of four Vault Hunters searching for mythical vaults while trying to take on the planet’s immoral dictator.—
Sheena Vasani,
The Verge,
23 May 2026
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The government has suspended the platform several times, citing concerns that the app promotes immoral or unlawful content.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
My father was running the skid steer outside, clearing the snow, leaving dirty white mounds to either side of the driveway that led from the house out to the range road.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Workers have told us that even wiping sweat from their face can be criticized because supervisors worry about the garment getting dirty.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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This used to be a death knell—the shoes that fit the bill were hideous until a few years ago.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
-
Any idea on when this hideous barcode-design strip will be released?—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Multiple lawsuits from advocacy groups, Capitol police officers and others call the program unlawful and corrupt, as Congress presses acting Atty.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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Kelly's mother, Barbara Renner, is charged with manslaughter, and her daughter, Elyssa Seymore, is charged with unlawful imprisonment.—
Mahsa Saeidi,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Electronic bugs are installed, secretaries listen in on every phone call and conversation, and rock 'n roll is banned in this cruel culture of absolute secrecy.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
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The slaughter of Australian infantry at the hands of Turkish guns on the coastal region of Gallipoli has become emblematic of the pointless loss of life during this cruel conflict.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vile. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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