as in unlawful
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable zero tolerance at the academy for cheating and other iniquitous practices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective iniquitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of iniquitous are corrupt, degenerate, nefarious, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can corrupt take the place of iniquitous?

While the synonyms corrupt and iniquitous are close in meaning, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When could degenerate be used to replace iniquitous?

In some situations, the words degenerate and iniquitous are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When can nefarious be used instead of iniquitous?

The synonyms nefarious and iniquitous are sometimes interchangeable, but nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

When might vicious be a better fit than iniquitous?

While in some cases nearly identical to iniquitous, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

Where would villainous be a reasonable alternative to iniquitous?

The words villainous and iniquitous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of iniquitous That morning, on the day of his exam, looking up at the stone façades, Gabriel suddenly realized that this was a place that existed not despite but because of the iniquitous history exhibited here. Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 That morning, on the day of his exam, looking up at the stone façades, Gabriel suddenly realized that this was a place that existed not despite but because of the iniquitous history exhibited here. Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 Palestinian leaders rejected the 1947 UN Partition Plan for its iniquitous terms, but then accepted partition on significantly less advantageous terms in 1988. Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021 When those writing about cyber-security and cyber-hacking do so irresponsibly, attempting merely to fan the flames of angst, there is no question that such shoddy and perhaps even iniquitous efforts are sad, hurtful, and do not advance sensibly the battle between cyber-security and cyber-hacking. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 14 June 2021 The food court was a part of this iniquitous setup. Angella Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2022 Corporate America and conservatives consider the very idea of the government’s deciding what to fund and what not to fund iniquitous. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2021 Similar makeovers have been undertaken on behalf of such iniquitous figures as Blackbeard, Henry VIII, Robespierre and the Marquis de Sade. Joe Queenan, WSJ, 10 June 2021 And there's a broader drive in American culture to expose iniquitous power relations and reevaluate revered historical figures. Michelle Goldberg, Star Tribune, 21 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iniquitous
Adjective
  • The court concluded that the administration’s unilateral actions without approval by Congress were unlawful.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Of note: Your Content must not be false, defamatory, misleading or hateful, or infringe any copyright or any other third-party rights or otherwise be unlawful.
    Will Matsuda, New York Times, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers also noted the chatbot engaging in other potentially disturbing—though not necessarily immoral—behavior.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 24 May 2025
  • Suggesting that being out of work is immoral, as opposed to the conditions that contribute to people’s ability to work and live, might be a more appropriate source of anxiety.
    Lauren Coulman, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Will the company itself go rogue and opt to use AGI for evil deeds?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In an incisive observation of the way that an adult’s words can sometimes settle on a child with unusual weight, I-Jing absorbs this folk superstition without question, and begins to shoplift gaudy trinkets from surrounding market stalls, only ever using her evil left hand.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The sinful acts on display here are a direct result of that disenfranchisement, an effort to reclaim what is still owed, forty acres and a mule, with interest.
    Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Pope Gregory, believing these demons to be an indication of Magdalene’s excessively sinful past, identified her as an unnamed woman in Luke who wipes Jesus’ feet with her hair.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The original 2006 film, which was adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s book of the same name, starred Meryl Streep as the powerful Miranda Priestley, Anne Hathaway as fashion newbie Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as vicious assistant Emily and Stanley Tucci as Miranda’s right hand man Nigel.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • The synopsis reads: Prom season at Shadyside High is underway and the school’s wolfpack of It Girls is busy with its usual sweet and vicious campaigns for the crown.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Twain’s early writing and private letters and diaries contain vile language and sentiments.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
  • The Imperial City Sewers you’re meant to traverse while learning the basics of the game look hideous and vile.
    Jamal Michel, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This one says that offshore holding companies are wicked and should be penalized.
    William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Of course, the wicked power of this franchise’s best installment extends beyond its initial stretch on a highway to hell.
    A.A. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.
    Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
  • The videos look just like the photos, with unnatural colors and visible noise, especially in dark environments.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Iniquitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iniquitous. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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