as in evil
that which is morally unacceptable
psychologists and sociologists have tried to discover the roots of such unspeakable villainy
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Recent Examples of villainy
But that’s not all… Reality Distortion According to Vasko, cyber criminals behind this type of villainy may be thought of as AI buccaneers—digital pirates often paid to instigate corporate espionage and theft.
—
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Still, there’s great friction in this story line, because Bridger and Young’s dialogue is simultaneously so florid and pointed, and because the actors playing the Mormon baddies really gnaw on their villainy.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s very jealous ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, oozing villainy as if to the Karate Kid manor born), who gives Li a black eye with a vicious sucker punch.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
The stage has been fully set for Demi’s villainy arc.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for villainy
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Still, there’s great friction in this story line, because Bridger and Young’s dialogue is simultaneously so florid and pointed, and because the actors playing the Mormon baddies really gnaw on their villainy.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025
This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s very jealous ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, oozing villainy as if to the Karate Kid manor born), who gives Li a black eye with a vicious sucker punch.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
The stage has been fully set for Demi’s villainy arc.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for villainy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for villainy
Noun
-
But this isn’t a clear case of good versus evil, or at least some members of Pike’s crew don’t see it that way.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
21 Aug. 2025
-
As the sun rose, the vermilion paint that decorates most Shinto shrines to ward off evil and misfortune began to shine dazzlingly.—
Lauren Groff,
The Atlantic,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While working together on The Unit, David Mamet once told you that good drama isn’t a choice between good and bad; good drama is the choice between two bads.—
Max Gao,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Reports out of fall camp haven’t been super favorable to their offense, and while the defense will, again, be top-notch, a team with this bad of an offense cannot be trusted.—
Austin Mock,
The Athletic,
19 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Villainy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/villainy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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