1
as in degradation
a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior
claimed that rap and rock music were responsible for the perversion of the nation's young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misuse
incorrect or improper use
if there's a hidden charge for the service, then that's a perversion of the word "free"
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 perversion
Those who place responsibility on individuals and employers saw the ACA as perversion of the government’s purpose.
—
Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
While the bad clown—a horror staple—might seem like a perversion of a wholesome form of entertainment historically meant for children, the clown in popular culture has always been subversive.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
After months marked by corruption, violence, and the open perversion of law, to gasp in outrage at the loss of a few tons of masonry and mortar might seem oddly misjudged.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Empsall’s small church offers classes on Christian resistance to fascism and how to reject White Christian nationalism as a perversion of Christianity.
—Liam Adams, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perversion
Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
While the bad clown—a horror staple—might seem like a perversion of a wholesome form of entertainment historically meant for children, the clown in popular culture has always been subversive.
—Time, 30 Oct. 2025
After months marked by corruption, violence, and the open perversion of law, to gasp in outrage at the loss of a few tons of masonry and mortar might seem oddly misjudged.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Empsall’s small church offers classes on Christian resistance to fascism and how to reject White Christian nationalism as a perversion of Christianity.
—Liam Adams, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perversion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perversion
Noun
-
Distractions are a major culprit of this degradation of learning, Horvath previously told Fortune, adding that refocusing attention after it’s been diverted takes time to recover.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Chief among the concerns that needed to be addressed were moisture degradation within the original interior finishes, general leaks and the conservation of doors and windows.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Opponents of the surveillance tool point to past misuses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Bengio said that means the safety guardrails companies build in—such as filters designed to block malicious requests—can simply be stripped away by users, leaving little to prevent misuse.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Vatican says fighting corruption in the mineral-rich country and insisting on the correct uses of political authority are expected to be themes of Leo’s visit, which starts Wednesday with his arrival in Yaounde, the capital.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The election reflects Peru’s deep political instability — nine presidents in ten years — amid voter anger over crime and corruption, though the country’s economy has remained relatively resilient.—
Franklin Briceño,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cole found that he was still traumatized by the abuse and had a hard time concentrating.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Single-source grants The legislative auditor’s report found that from July 2022 through December 2024, BHA paid out roughly $200 million annually to counties, tribes and providers for services related to mental health and substance abuse disorder, totaling some 830 separate grant agreements.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perversion. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
