SCURRILOUS Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

scurrilous

adjective

ˈskər-ə-ləs

Definition of scurrilous

as in abusive

marked by harsh insulting language a scurrilous satire on the scandal that enveloped Washington

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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 scurrilous And in return for all that scurrilous effort, not a single banning. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 In the Hulu version of the story, Clarke plays Alex, a middle-aged lawyer stealing money from his clients and funneling it into an opioid addiction and, the series implies, other scurrilous crimes. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 Players known for sometimes scurrilous behavior were scared off by that lifetime ban. — John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025 The good people of Lancaster County were innocent of the charges thrown at them by raving Southerners and scurrilous Democrats. — Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scurrilous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scurrilous

Adjective

Many viewers left that film unconvinced Rockwell’s abusive cop deserved the redemption he was given.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Reminiscent of the discussions around Michael Jackson’s upbringing, this Lanterns episode has sparked specific conversations about parenting Black boys and children into greatness, and what actions constitute abusive or unhealthy parenting.

— Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of abusive

Adjective

Even instances of heckling at games – over performance on the court – felt good-natured, rather than insulting.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
The adventures of Addison’s titular shilling include being hoarded, offered as a bribe, and sent as an insulting accompaniment to a letter disinheriting a son.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of insulting

Adjective

Last year, after signing a $132 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a trade, he was docked another $26,000 for fighting and making an obscene gesture.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
There was a dog’s leg that had been sewn on near a man’s crotch in a way that seemed like an obscene visual pun.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of obscene

Adjective

In Maine, Graham Platner — who, like Avila Chevalier, had a vituperative social media history — easily defeated the state’s governor, Janet Mills, for the Senate nomination.

— Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 June 2026
The Irish comedy writer has become better known for his assertion that trans women are men and criticism of trans activism, expressed in often vituperative social media posts.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026

Definition of vituperative

Browse Nearby Words

scurrility

scurrilous

scurrilousness

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“Scurrilous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scurrilous. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scurrilous

adjective

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