scurvy

Definition of scurvynext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scurvy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of scurvy are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might contemptible be a better fit than scurvy?

The synonyms contemptible and scurvy are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When can despicable be used instead of scurvy?

The words despicable and scurvy can be used in similar contexts, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for scurvy?

The words pitiable and scurvy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When could sorry be used to replace scurvy?

In some situations, the words sorry and scurvy are roughly equivalent. However, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Example 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 scurvy Perhaps best known as a immune-system boost or antidote to scurvy, vitamin C has been found to rejuvenate aging skin by reactivating genes responsible for cell growth. New Atlas, 6 July 2025 The latest research indicates that the men split into groups sometime after April 1848, with some parties surviving longer than others but all ultimately dying of starvation, scurvy, exposure, physical exhaustion and chronic illnesses, among other causes. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 William and his assistants were nonetheless able to build solid pillars of data, mass death broken down into discrete numerals to represent sexes, ages, locations, seasons, years, and causes of mortality, which included starvation, scurvy, dysentery, cholera, typhus, and relapsing fever. Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 In the Age of Sail, mercury was used on ships to treat fever, scurvy, constipation, and more, often in the form of calomel, or mercurous chloride. Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for scurvy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scurvy
Adjective
  • On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
    Hector Vickers, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Giants, who went on to lose yesterday, are now 31-46, and the vibes are wretched.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 22 June 2026
  • Jones also further expounds on the vampire’s wretched lineage and mythology through flashbacks.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The revolution won’t come cheap.
    Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Across six online experiments, the researchers showed participants a cheaper lower-quality item such as a sweater alongside a pricier higher-quality version.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • We’re used to nasty, hateful, and sometimes violent things being said about us and even about our family.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • Tarik Skubal was nasty against the Yankees.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Those who have sustained a severe burn or dirty wound should follow up with a booster after five years, according to the CDC.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Down Pennsylvania Avenue, a man in a karate gi, disposable gloves, and dirty white sneakers was hauling a cart by means of a homemade yoke strapped across his shoulders.
    Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The movement, with an 80-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz, is also home to a perpetual calendar and an equation of time display, showing the difference between mean solar time, shown on the main dial, and true solar time, which fluctuates due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
  • Piña then says that Joe and Angela are mean to each other.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
  • How to make the moment scary but watchable, disgusting but entrancing?
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scurvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scurvy. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scurvy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster