Synonyms of abject

abject

adjective

ˈab-ˌjekt 

as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness

demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• humble
• servile
• meek
• slavish
• menial
• base
• sheepish
• hangdog
• lowly
• modest
• sycophantic
• unassuming
• lamblike
• fawning
• retiring
• unpretentious
• demure
• sycophant
• toadyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• superior
• arrogant
• haughty
• supercilious
• imperious
• lordly
• uppity
• high-handed

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective abject differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than abject?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When is it sensible to use mean instead of abject?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When would sordid be a good substitute for abject?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abject

There’s been the sublime, the abject, high drama, controversy, punch ups. —The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Based on lottery odds, two years of abject losing might (but only might) get you a top-three pick. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025

Colin willingly puts himself in an abject position because what’s happening between him and Ray is love, for him at least, even if that version of love doesn’t comfortably conform to our understanding of what love is supposed to be, a system of back-and-forth flow in mutual directions. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 May 2025

If medical shows are based on a foundation of hope and aspiration, this series about a mid-level doctor in the U.K.'s National Health Service is built on abject despair. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 May 2025