Synonyms of vile

vile

adjective

ˈvī(-ə)l 

1

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

a vile plot to murder their political enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evil
• immoral
• unlawful
• sinful
• vicious
• dark
• bad
• wicked
• obscene
• rotten
• villainous
• cruel
• nefarious
• infamous
• offensive
• iniquitous
• corrupt
• wrong
• ugly
• unsavory
• illegal
• unethical
• unauthorized
• unrighteous
• cursed
• improper
• nasty
• dirty
• contemptible
• condemned
• despicable
• sordid
• infernal
• disreputable
• ignoble
• depraved
• prohibited
• reprehensible
• objectionable
• pernicious
• naughty
• atrocious
• noxious
• dishonest
• forbidden
• perverted
• ill
• sick
• debased
• snide
• pestilential
• unwholesome
• degenerate
• mean
• ungodly
• debauched
• dissolute
• scrofulous
• base
• unhealthy
• censurable
• fallen
• wretched
• blameworthy
• incorrect
• unclean
• miserable
• libertine
• execrable
• blamable
• evil-minded
• vulgar
• unprincipled
• indecent
• unscrupulous
• unseemly
• proscribed
• loose
• low-minded
• outlawed
• barred
• reprobate
• dishonorable
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• discouraged
• lousy
• defiling
• low
• errant
• cussed
• banned
• disallowed
• erring
• interdicted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moral
• good
• virtuous
• honorable
• noble
• righteous
• sublime
• ethical
• decent
• legitimate
• right
• honest
• high
• legal
• upright
• lofty
• just
• permitted
• reputable
• elevated
• scrupulous
• principled
• permissible
• authorized
• endorsed
• licensed
• approved
• proper
• high-minded
• sanctioned
• correct
• decent
• clean
• allowed
• promoted
• pure
• exemplary
• supported
• white
• decorous
• seemly
• innocent
• perfect
• wholesome
• creditable
• blameless
• worthy
• commendable
• law-abiding
• encouraged
• guiltless
• inoffensive
• unobjectionable
• chaste
• immaculate
• spotless
• venerable
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• esteemed
• unerring
• abetted
• respected
• uncorrupted
• lily-white
• squeaky-clean
• unfallen
• upstanding

2

as in nasty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

a vile trick to play on someone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• nasty
• dirty
• immoral
• cruel
• vicious
• detestable
• despicable
• contemptible
• sordid
• corrupt
• ignoble
• wretched
• execrable
• dishonorable
• evil
• bad
• ignominious
• snide
• low-down
• mean
• foul
• wicked
• base
• paltry
• low-minded
• currish
• wrong
• low
• iniquitous
• reprehensible
• depraved
• perverted
• villainous
• miscreant
• debased
• degenerate
• shameful
• disgraceful
• debauched
• dissolute
• censurable
• atrocious
• blameworthy
• unprincipled
• unscrupulous
• blamable
• disreputable
• unworthy
• unethical
• discreditable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noble
• virtuous
• honorable
• high
• lofty
• righteous
• straight
• upright
• ethical
• venerable
• moral
• good
• honest
• excellent
• just
• scrupulous
• principled
• right
• exemplary
• proper
• high-minded
• commendable
• decent
• respectable
• reputable
• blameless
• right-minded
• guiltless
• seemly
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• unerring
• uncorrupted

3

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at

an outfit with a truly vile combination of colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ugly
• hideous
• grotesque
• unpleasing
• disgusting
• awful
• monstrous
• unattractive
• unsightly
• unappealing
• homely
• unlovely
• horrible
• loathsome
• repulsive
• abominable
• sickening
• revolting
• unbeautiful
• uncomely
• ill-favored
• repugnant
• appalling
• unpretty
• horrid
• unhandsome
• abhorrent
• nauseating
• repellent
• dreadful
• distasteful
• gross
• nauseous
• noisome
• unbecoming
• plain
• frumpy
• unaesthetic
• unshapely
• frumpish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• beautiful
• lovely
• pretty
• attractive
• gorgeous
• handsome
• goodly
• beauteous
• stunning
• fair
• cute
• ravishing
• aesthetic
• seemly
• good-looking
• comely
• knockout
• drop-dead
• taking
• fetching
• shapely
• sightly
• bonny
• impressive
• imposing
• well-favored
• prepossessing

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vile contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

When can base be used instead of vile?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than vile?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vile

McGregor, on the other hand, had viewers in the palm of his hand as Christian, the penniless writer who falls in love with Satine despite her commitment to a truly vile duke, who has invested in the Moulin Rouge and promised to make Satine’s dreams of stage stardom come true. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

Wasserman was long presumed to be an mere philanthropic acquaintance of the vile and very well connected Epstein (who died in mysterious circumstances in a NYC jail in 2019), the massive document dump by Donald Trump‘s DOJ in late January revealed a carnal 2003 correspondence with Maxwell. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

Aerion was absolutely vile to him. —James Grebey, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

That’s why every encounter with a non-vile mezcal should be celebrated, and the Desolas Mezcal Reposado is decidedly not vile. —Air Mail, 21 Feb. 2026