1
as in irritable
easily irritated or annoyed
how can you be so cheerful one day, and so perverse the next?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in corrupt
having or showing lowered moral character or standards
social conservatives who believe that Hollywood is a perverse world that exerts an unhealthy influence on the young
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stubborn
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
a fact so self-evident that not even the most perverse of opponents could deny it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
a convicted criminal seemed like a perverse choice for a bank employee
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 perverse
However, the Senate's scholarship restriction could create perverse incentives, discouraging institutions from offering comprehensive aid packages to their neediest students.
—
Scott White, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Industry insiders also warn that AI companies have perverse incentives, with some groups integrating advertisements into their products in the search for revenue streams.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
Some liken it to the military chest-pounding commonly seen in North Korea, a step toward authoritarianism or a perverse birthday party for Trump.
—Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
This creates a perverse situation where even clear statutory violations such as this by the president are normal criminal enforcement.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perverse
Scott White, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Industry insiders also warn that AI companies have perverse incentives, with some groups integrating advertisements into their products in the search for revenue streams.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
Some liken it to the military chest-pounding commonly seen in North Korea, a step toward authoritarianism or a perverse birthday party for Trump.
—Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
This creates a perverse situation where even clear statutory violations such as this by the president are normal criminal enforcement.
—Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for perverse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perverse
Adjective
-
But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
And getting swept at home by a losing club, the Miami Marlins, would make anyone a tad irritable and hypersensitive.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Many of Trump's supporters dislike Zelensky, viewing him as corrupt and an obstacle to peace.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
Vote out the trustees enabling this corrupt culture.—
Amy Reichert,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.—
Sal Recchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior.—
Joseph Folkman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
There was always an inappropriate something happening.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Northrop Grumman saw some fiery drama during a test of a more powerful version of the solid rocket booster that would be used if NASA’s Artemis program ever gets to its ninth launch using the beleaguered Space Launch System rocket.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
-
Bringing together the best of his indie-rock stylings off 2023’s Blanket with the fiery hip-hop lyricism of 2019’s Arizona Baby, Blush feels like the culmination of a lifetime’s work on Abstract’s part.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Shot on low-grade digital cameras that made every image look even more apocalyptic and degraded, the film remains utterly terrifying, boasting excellent supporting turns from Naomie Harris and Brendan Gleeson as Jim’s fellow survivors.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
-
The good news is that General Mills is more than 60% of the way to achieving its goal of advancing regenerative agriculture—farming practices that regenerate degraded soil—on a million acres of land by 2030.—
Dave Levinthal,
Fortune,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Football has typically accepted these lapses and quietly moved on, adamant that the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) is primarily a problem for other sports.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
It’s become the latest project that’s caused high tension among Prairie Village residents — with a new group that’s formed to rally residents to push against the city’s plans, while others are adamant for its approval.—
Taylor O’Connor,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Before then, an officer could only cite you for using your phone after you had been pulled over for another offense, such as speeding or an improper lane change.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
-
In 2023, auditors found A1’s Frederick County branch engaged in improper scheduling and monitoring.—
Glynis Kazanjian,
Baltimore Sun,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Perverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perverse. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share