1
as in filthy
not clean
he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sordid
But neither is the sordid flip side, the anti-myth that ought to gut any misguided hankering after a mid-century golden age.
—
Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
An unlicensed casino grows up to be a Baptist college, one that doesn’t shy away from its sordid past, as Christ himself never shied away from a sinner.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
This sordid saga is a rogue boomerang.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
The American people deserve real answers on this sordid saga.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sordid
Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
An unlicensed casino grows up to be a Baptist college, one that doesn’t shy away from its sordid past, as Christ himself never shied away from a sinner.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
This sordid saga is a rogue boomerang.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
The American people deserve real answers on this sordid saga.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sordid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
-
Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
-
In other words, Cunha’s job is to convince the Americans now running the federal government to give Brown’s motley crew of gender-benders, anti-Semites and filthy-rich legacies a good leaving alone.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
24 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Removing a vile, brutal, and corrupt president without a clear transition plan, and relying on his former regime to deliver if for you, is not supporting democracy.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
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Grok, the chatbot of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, published sexualized images of children as its guardrails seem to have failed when it was prompted with vile user requests.—
The Los Angeles Times,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These chambers mimic Mars’ low-pressure atmosphere, dry conditions, and dusty surface.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t sit at home getting dusty.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The checklist for cleaning the kitchen was probably just washing dirty dishes, wiping down countertops, and mopping the floors.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Decades later, Betty Jo’s muddy adventures and big heart remain the role fans most closely associate with Henning.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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The report presented a muddy view of the labor market, with companies reporting a low level of hiring but households showing employment gains.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Richards has missed Palace’s previous four fixtures after picking up a nasty foot injury against Leeds in the Premier League just before Christmas.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Ra Shaya Kyle, feeling miserable with a nasty cold that kept her out of practice for two days, scored a career-high 30 points to lead the University of Miami women’s basketball team to an 89-73 win over rival Florida State University on Sunday afternoon at the Watsco Center.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Aug. 2025
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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
Adjective
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In addition to being immoral, CFA’s support for BDS likely violates state law, AB 2844, which prohibits California from contracting with entities that engage in discrimination, including against Jews or Israelis.—
Mark Pinkert,
Oc Register,
23 Dec. 2025
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The film follows the deliciously immoral, widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who maneuvers, deceives and seduces her way through London and across her relatives' country estates in an effort to find a wealthy husband for herself and her daughter, Frederica (Morfydd Clark).—
Andrea Wurzburger,
PEOPLE,
29 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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