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 Gary Oldman—as the hilarious and vile Jackson Lamb—and the entire cast knock it out of the proverbial park once again. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 But, in the tumult of the snap election, dubious and outright vile comments came pouring forth. —

Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024 David Tennant is spectacular as always as the rather vile, vengeful Tony Baddingham, a ruthless TV executive with axes to grind. —

Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 His vile ways are what made season 6, episode 9's incredible Battle of the Bastards resonate. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile

Adjective

This was not out of choice: After his capture and before his execution, Höss was ordered to write his memoir, giving an insight into the workings of a mind that was both ordinary and chillingly evil.

Saskya Vandoorne, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
Nietzsche’s treatise criticizes philosophers who rest their moral framework on the assumption that good and evil are opposites.

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025