Synonyms of villainous

villainous

adjective

ˈvi-lə-nəs 

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evil
• immoral
• unlawful
• sinful
• vicious
• vile
• wicked
• dark
• bad
• nefarious
• infamous
• rotten
• corrupt
• obscene
• cruel
• wrong
• iniquitous
• unsavory
• offensive
• unauthorized
• unethical
• unrighteous
• ugly
• illegal
• improper
• cursed
• dirty
• nasty
• condemned
• despicable
• contemptible
• disreputable
• infernal
• ignoble
• naughty
• sordid
• depraved
• prohibited
• pernicious
• perverted
• dishonest
• forbidden
• reprehensible
• objectionable
• ill
• dissolute
• snide
• base
• sick
• atrocious
• evil-minded
• unscrupulous
• mean
• fallen
• degenerate
• debauched
• pestilential
• scrofulous
• debased
• noxious
• ungodly
• unhealthy
• censurable
• unwholesome
• blameworthy
• incorrect
• libertine
• loose
• unprincipled
• miserable
• proscribed
• reprobate
• wretched
• outlawed
• execrable
• barred
• low-minded
• unseemly
• unclean
• discouraged
• vulgar
• dishonorable
• errant
• low
• blamable
• indecent
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• erring
• cussed
• lousy
• disallowed
• curst
• defiling
• banned
• interdicted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moral
• virtuous
• noble
• good
• righteous
• honorable
• ethical
• legitimate
• right
• sublime
• high
• honest
• decent
• legal
• upright
• lofty
• just
• scrupulous
• reputable
• elevated
• principled
• permitted
• authorized
• permissible
• licensed
• endorsed
• proper
• high-minded
• sanctioned
• approved
• correct
• promoted
• exemplary
• decent
• allowed
• supported
• white
• clean
• law-abiding
• pure
• innocent
• perfect
• decorous
• creditable
• commendable
• encouraged
• wholesome
• blameless
• seemly
• guiltless
• worthy
• venerable
• inoffensive
• chaste
• incorruptible
• irreproachable
• unobjectionable
• immaculate
• unerring
• esteemed
• spotless
• indorsed
• abetted
• respected
• uncorrupted
• squeaky-clean
• lily-white
• unfallen
• upstanding

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective villainous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of villainous are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, nefarious, and vicious. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

When is corrupt a more appropriate choice than villainous?

While the synonyms corrupt and villainous are close in meaning, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When is it sensible to use degenerate instead of villainous?

The synonyms degenerate and villainous are sometimes interchangeable, but degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When might iniquitous be a better fit than villainous?

The words iniquitous and villainous can be used in similar contexts, but iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can nefarious take the place of villainous?

The words nefarious and villainous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Where would vicious be a reasonable alternative to villainous?

Although the words vicious and villainous have much in common, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of villainous

Moreover, if the campaign emphasizes Anderson’s overdue status, Penn’s villainous turn and Hall’s breakout, the film could position itself as a top-tier contender. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025

Batman has always been skeptical of magic, but nonetheless gets drawn into an investigation that involves Constantine, Etrigan, Zatanna, Deadman, Black Orchid, and Swamp Thing, leading them all into battle with villainous sorcerer Felix Faust. —Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

Ne Zha’s mother is transmogrified into a magical pill at the hands of the story’s villainous mastermind, the immortal Wuliang. —Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

The chipmunks teamed with an Australian mouse named Monterey Jack, his dragonfly pal Zipper, and the team’s mechanic, Gadget Hackwrench, to battle such villainous characters as Fat Cat and Professor Norton Nimnul. —Will Harris, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025