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

Marxism has been an abject failure when it’s been tried. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 13 July 2025

But Zuckerberg isn’t the only one paying abject obeisance to the president. —Max Taves, Mercury News, 11 July 2025

But Israel’s horrific death toll in Gaza, the abject suffering unfolding on our screens, has brought us to a fundamentally different place. —Albert Fox Cahn, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025

Meanwhile, the pissy, frustrated lawman (Kenneth Tobey) trying to coordinate the manhunt has to deal with abject incompetence and mind-boggling bureaucracy, as well as his own desire to relive his youth. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025

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