opprobrious

adjective

op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
1
: expressive of opprobrium : scurrilous
opprobrious language
2
: deserving of opprobrium : infamous
opprobriously adverb
opprobriousness noun

Examples of opprobrious in a Sentence

an opprobrious attack on the alleged corruption in the police department contends that visiting a brothel is the sort of opprobrious conduct for which a public official should be censured
Recent Examples on the Web Honor is not, in Mr. Sommers’s view, without its opprobrious aspects, not least its association with violence. Joseph Epstein, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opprobrious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin opprobriōsus, from Latin opprobrium opprobrium + -ōsus -ose entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opprobrious was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near opprobrious

Cite this Entry

“Opprobrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opprobrious. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

opprobrious

adjective
op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
: expressing very strong disapproval
the opprobrious term "murderer"
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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