Definition of villainousnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 villainous This dooms the kingdom to the tyrannical rule of the villainous Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), who swoops in and snatches the throne. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 23 June 2026 However, critics argued that his remarks ultimately reinforced stereotypes that have long been attached to Black women in sports media by portraying Reese as a villainous figure. Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026 Players are asked to protect Prythian from the villainous King of Hybern by traveling across the kingdom's seven courts (aka the game board) to acquire properties, powers and more to aid in the war. Kirsten Acuna, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 And while Popeye could never directly engage with his Sea Hag because his code of honor prevented him from striking a woman, no matter how villainous, Tom seems to have no such code. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for villainous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for villainous
Adjective
  • With some assistance from the bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa), Kara and Ruthye track down Krem and his evil Brigands.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Load was a Number One seller in 1996, and its comelier evil twin, ReLoad, repeated the feat a year and a half later.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Johnson, said in an email that Sanchez-Munoz had been charged with one count of second-degree felony murder, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon and five counts of armed criminal action.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • The policies Goode violated include unlawful harassment discrimination policy, professional conduct, code of conduct and mobile data access.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • Naim and his overly anxious single mom (Mia Wasikowska) attend rote church services in which the pastor looks to exorcise the LGBTQ+ from sinful boys who like boys and girls who like girls.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
  • That person is referring to heavyweight Josh Hokit, who is facing widespread backlash for making a vile joke about former first lady Michelle Obama after winning his match over Derrick Lewis.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Because my gut feeling tells me another round of wicked winds this way comes.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The top-of-the-line chef’s kitchen sports metallic cabinetry paired with dark marble countertops and backsplashes.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
  • These include rolled or folded leaf blades, a dark or blue tinge to the foliage, or lingering footprints after walking on the lawn.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Villainous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/villainous. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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