NEFARIOUS Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'nefarious' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nefarious are corrupt , degenerate , iniquitous , vicious , and villainous . While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct. // the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Q: Where would 'corrupt' be a reasonable alternative to 'nefarious'?

While in some cases nearly identical to nefarious , corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations. // city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

Q: When could 'degenerate' be used to replace 'nefarious'?

In some situations, the words degenerate and nefarious are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition. // a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

Q: When can 'iniquitous' be used instead of 'nefarious'?

The words iniquitous and nefarious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness. // an iniquitous system of taxation

Q: When might 'vicious' be a better fit than 'nefarious'?

The meanings of vicious and nefarious largely overlap; however, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence. // a vicious gangster

Q: When would 'villainous' be a good substitute for 'nefarious'?

While the synonyms villainous and nefarious are close in meaning, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic. // a villainous assault

nefarious

adjective

ni-ˈfer-ē-əs

Definition of nefarious next

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable the chaste heroines and nefarious villains of old-time melodramas

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How does the adjective nefarious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nefarious are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Where would corrupt be a reasonable alternative to nefarious?

While in some cases nearly identical to nefarious, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When could degenerate be used to replace nefarious?

In some situations, the words degenerate and nefarious are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When can iniquitous be used instead of nefarious?

The words iniquitous and nefarious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

When might vicious be a better fit than nefarious?

The meanings of vicious and nefarious largely overlap; however, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

When would villainous be a good substitute for nefarious?

While the synonyms villainous and nefarious are close in meaning, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

Examples of nefarious in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web But others believe that something more nefarious is holding the country back. —

Saeid Golkar, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 Mauritius is an ally of China, and Beijing is licking its chops at the prospect of conducting electronic snooping of the base and other nefarious activities. —

Steve Forbes, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Paloma takes over the family’s land and clashes with landowner Paca Utrera, who has a nefarious plan for the village. —

Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Oct. 2024 Especially in vote-by-mail elections, like in Washington state, ballots take several days to be counted, and that alone doesn't mean anything nefarious. —

Melissa Santos, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nefarious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nefarious

Adjective

Bats' connection to Halloween dates back to Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival where large bonfires were built to ward off evil spirits.

Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
Watch on Amazon Prime Marianne A famous horror writer is lured back to her hometown by the death of a childhood friend and must take on an evil spirit who has been haunting her nightmares for years.

Simon Hill, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024