Definition of SORDID

Choose the Right Synonym for sordid

mean, ignoble, abject, sordid mean being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity. mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. mean and petty satire ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. an ignoble scramble after material possessions abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. abject poverty sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. a sordid story of murder and revenge

Examples of sordid in a Sentence

And Vermes's story is also in part an international thriller, especially with the high-level goings-on around the Scrolls. The full sordid tale of spite, scholarly selfishness, and undisguised anti-Semitism, which kept access to the Dead Sea texts restricted for decades to a tiny cartel, unwinds in his pages. — Paula Fredriksen, New Republic, 15 Oct. 2001 Another reporter working to verify the book's charges ended up unmasking author James Hatfield's sordid past, revealing how little the publisher knew about its author … — Jennifer Greenstein, Brill's Content, February 2000 In fact, audiences now have become so blasé about accounts of celebrities' sordid personal lives that some stars are turning potential publicity nightmares into confessional coups. — Stephen Rebello, Vibe, May 1999 He shared the sordid details of his past. he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up

Recent Examples on the Web

The sordid affair erupted into public view on Monday when it was revealed that NYCHA general manager Vito Mustaciuolo ordered the entire staff at Throggs Neck — roughly 40 people — be transferred to other developments. — Fox News, "NYC Housing Authority suspends employees over alleged workplace orgies," 30 Aug. 2018 More than anything, Dykstra wants to present himself as the ultimate cleanup hitter, an unsung hero (OK, antihero) who in selfless service of a buddy went up against Hollywood's most sordid retinue. — Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, "Hollywood's Most Toxic Bromance: The Implosion of Charlie Sheen and Lenny Dykstra," 7 Feb. 2018 This is someone who had a long history of sordid misconduct. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "After 20,000 workers walked out, Google said it got the message. The workers disagree.," 21 Nov. 2018 The idea, almost certainly fantasy, of Lovato shooting up in her Hollywood Hills mansion was more sordid than anything anyone had yet to understand about her addiction. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "Amy Winehouse Is Finally Free in a New Book of Photographs," 10 Aug. 2018 In the weeks that followed, reporters would uncover more sordid details from his past. — Shanon Lee, Good Housekeeping, "My Husband Cheating Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," 22 June 2015 Though bookstores were once among my favorite places to spend time, ever since my own book was published eight months ago, trips into bookstores have mutated into sordid affairs. — Lauren Markham, Longreads, "For Me, With Love and Squalor," 7 June 2018 But the more sordid details of Hamilton’s death came out when Jenkins gave a jailhouse interview Wednesday. — Matthew Martinez, star-telegram, "Ex-con was on cocaine, PCP when ‘voices’ told him to kill his 79-year-old mom, Texas cops say," 12 July 2018 USA TODAY Sports Had the sordid details not emerged, a casual observer would never guess that Jerry Richardson was relinquishing ownership of the Carolina Panthers in disgrace. — Nate Davis, USA TODAY, "Carolina Panthers sale becomes official, but Jerry Richardson offers no apology," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sordid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.