pervert 1 of 2

Definition of pervertnext

pervert

2 of 2

verb

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as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use accused of perverting the Internal Revenue Service by using it to harass political opponents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pervert different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of pervert are corrupt, debase, debauch, deprave, and vitiate. While all these words mean "to cause deterioration or lowering in quality or character," pervert implies a twisting or distorting from what is natural or normal.

perverted the original goals of the institute

Where would corrupt be a reasonable alternative to pervert?

While the synonyms corrupt and pervert are close in meaning, corrupt implies loss of soundness, purity, or integrity.

the belief that bureaucratese corrupts the language

When might debase be a better fit than pervert?

The words debase and pervert can be used in similar contexts, but debase implies a loss of position, worth, value, or dignity.

commercialism has debased the holiday

When is debauch a more appropriate choice than pervert?

The meanings of debauch and pervert largely overlap; however, debauch implies a debasing through sensual indulgence.

the long stay on a tropical isle had debauched the ship's crew

When would deprave be a good substitute for pervert?

While in some cases nearly identical to pervert, deprave implies moral deterioration by evil thoughts or influences.

the claim that society is depraved by pornography

In what contexts can vitiate take the place of pervert?

The words vitiate and pervert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vitiate implies a destruction of purity, validity, or effectiveness by allowing entrance of a fault or defect.

a foreign policy vitiated by partisanship

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 pervert
Noun
Special-guest pervert Frank (Sam Rockwell) showcases a monologue about his autogynephilia. Armond White, National Review, 9 Apr. 2025 Just when things are looking up — a haughty British couple leaves this daughter of Oxfordshire a handsome tip — the dinner pervert turns up for his morning coffee. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
Love lost, love gained, love perverted, love stolen. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 July 2025 In his eyes, a Jew who fails to share that outlook becomes the monster of traditional antisemitic lore: something perverted from its essential nature. Robert Helfand, Hartford Courant, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pervert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pervert
Noun
  • If this group of hardened degenerates was able to enjoy the action at this level, who, exactly, are the spiritual victims of sports betting?
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Once Gacy is caught, the media runs with the details — all those bodies crammed in that crawlspace, some of them buried in trenches Gacy made his employees dig out — and paints his victims as runaways or degenerates who put themselves in danger.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This is why the contestants sound distorted when talking during the show.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Freedom from want mattered because deprivation distorts judgment.
    Philip Martin, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And along the way enrich himself and partner with some of the world's most dangerous and violent drug traffickers and corrupting his country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has thoroughly corrupted the Justice Department, but its selective prosecutions of his foes have been thwarted by judges and, more strikingly, by grand juries.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The pair also pretended that Tammy was allegedly abusing them.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In handing down the sentence, Montenegro said Bonillo understood the scope of his misdeeds, abused his position of trust and used that position to enrich himself while undermining CBP’s main goal.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This year’s furry green villain is more funny than scary, his behavior unthreatening, his confrontational manner with the Whos never feeling particularly dangerous.
    Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The cast picture also included Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Cara Buono, Amybeth McNulty and Jamie Campbell Bower, the latter who joined the cast in season 4 as the show's villain, Vecna.
    Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Under federal law, companies can’t misrepresent warranty terms or obstruct claims.
    Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Following a misleading report on hospital finances, The Denver Post published an editorial that misrepresents UCHealth’s role in caring for Colorado patients and misstates key facts about our financial operations.
    Elizabeth B. Concordia, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • By subverting trust and building paranoia to screeching highs, The Thing exploits some of humanity's worst traits.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • The directors spent over eight years tracking Shahverdi’s efforts to subvert economic systems and transform local attitudes.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • And, if federal officials determine a state has misused funds, they can be withheld, reduced or clawed back.
    Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Jacobson retired effective immediately on Monday after he was confronted by Mayor Justin Elicker and admitted to misusing the money, Elicker told reporters.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pervert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pervert. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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