scurvy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scurvy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of scurvy are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might contemptible be a better fit than scurvy?

The synonyms contemptible and scurvy are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When can despicable be used instead of scurvy?

The words despicable and scurvy can be used in similar contexts, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for scurvy?

The words pitiable and scurvy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When could sorry be used to replace scurvy?

In some situations, the words sorry and scurvy are roughly equivalent. However, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 scurvy Numerous factors are potentially fuelling a scurvy resurgence, notably nutrient-deficient diets. Richard Windsor, The Week Uk, theweek, 24 Oct. 2024 However, the good news is that scurvy is easy to combat and symptoms can be alleviated in as little as 24 hours. New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2024 Pink even filmed a music video for the track, in which she is dressed as a pirate while singing about scurvy complications. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023 Along with violent seasickness, passengers suffered from fever, dysentery, boils, scurvy, mouth rot, rat bites, and lice so copious that they could be scraped off the body. Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for scurvy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scurvy
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • But the rates were pitiful: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip and so on.
    Eli Tan, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Israel’s performance in climate mitigation, moving to renewable energies, is pitiful — just 12% when some countries are 70%.
    JTA Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Baltimore Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde last week after a wretched start to the season, which followed a winter in which general manager Mike Elias could not land an upper-tier arm to improve the pitching staff.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Gilead is God’s kingdom on Earth, and the Commanders are his wretched priests.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • All around the city are free and cheap concerts and events that anyone can sit back and enjoy.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
  • These technologies could be safer, cheaper, and offer higher energy storage.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant (35 points), and the Thunder defense was nasty.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • But Laxe’s cadence of death is nasty and arbitrary and delightful.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Airplane tray tables, seatbelt buckles and armrests are known to be among the dirtiest surfaces onboard.
    Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
  • Duffy, a former reality show contestant and four-term congressman, comes to the blame game with dirty hands.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Everything inland of the mean high tide line can be considered private, but as beaches erode and sea levels rise, that line becomes a moving target, Willis said.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 16 May 2025
  • And then finally, the cuts to snap are just mean and cruel.
    Obed Manuel, NPR, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • But unfortunately, that also means Big Mouth, the cartoon about all the disgusting, messy parts of growing up from Nick Kroll, must also conclude as well.
    Lucy Ford, Time, 19 May 2025
  • Donning silly British accents, Johansson joins Gardner, Fineman, and Sherman for a disgusting and messy meal.
    Andy Hoglund Updated, EW.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scurvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scurvy. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scurvy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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