1
as in filthy
not clean
he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
a sordid affair involving bribery and corruption in high places
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sordid
But with Combs’ fate unfolding in a trial that is not being televised, the rush to relay every sordid detail and rack up views can pose challenges fraught with ethical issues as well.
—
Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 14 June 2025
The whole sordid affair was laid out in Chen’s ruling, filed May 30.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
Both Ventura and Jane alleged they were pressured to participate in sordid hotel nights with men hired from online services like Craigslist even after Combs had viciously beaten them.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked about the sordid incident, quickly blamed Padilla.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sordid
Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 14 June 2025
The whole sordid affair was laid out in Chen’s ruling, filed May 30.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025
Both Ventura and Jane alleged they were pressured to participate in sordid hotel nights with men hired from online services like Craigslist even after Combs had viciously beaten them.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked about the sordid incident, quickly blamed Padilla.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sordid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
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These words are so filthy, even 40 years later, that Tribune editors will only allow an edited version to be included here.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The girl is so filthy that just one look at her gets across the idea that this lifestyle is repellent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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The tweets, a vile departure from Elmo’s often inspiring and motivational social media cadence, were sent on July 13 and promptly taken down.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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Michael Kracker, the chair of the Erie County Republican Committee, posted the image on X, formerly Twitter, describing it as vile.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Tim Petrillo, one of the developers behind the $500 million project, donned a hard hat on a sweltering Tuesday and peered out at the dusty construction site at Northwest First Avenue, just north of Northwest Fifth Street.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
14 July 2025
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Webb images nebula To mark Webb's third year of operations, NASA shared an image the observatory gathered showcasing the thick, dusty layers of a section that's known as the Cat’s Paw Nebula.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The restaurant violated 17 standards, including bugs inside the restaurant and dirty kitchen equipment.—
Evan Moore
July 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 July 2025
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What to look for in a quality cat fountain Filtration system Stagnant or dirty water is dangerous to pets, especially cats with a delicate immune system.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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If the condition is severe, as might happen if the bottom of the pot is full of water, remove the hibiscus, gently knock off the wet, muddy soil, rinse the roots clean, and repot with fresh potting soil in a well-draining pot.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
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The muddy, wet game was played on a sloppy field but ended with an 8-0 victory for Michigan in front of a few hundred Notre Dame students.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Her somewhat implausible problem is that her bad feelings—her irritation, her boredom—never register as such because of her beauty, her wealth, and her pedigree; so great is her beauty that even her nastiest moods feel like a sunny glow to others.—
Claire Jarvis,
New Yorker,
8 July 2025
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But use kind humor, not nasty or deprecating humor.—
Davia Temin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Dec. 2022
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There are no glamorous furnishings — just a French window, its blackened panes suggesting the dark of night.—
Christopher Knight,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Oct. 2022
Adjective
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The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910, is a federal law that prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of individuals for prostitution or other immoral activities.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
3 July 2025
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Swaggart, in July 1986, had accused a megachurch rival, New Orleans First Assembly of God Pastor Marvin Gorman, of committing immoral acts with a number of women over a period of years.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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