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sordid

Q: How does the adjective 'sordid' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject , ignoble , and mean . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

Q: Where would 'abject' be a reasonable alternative to 'sordid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid , abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

Q: When might 'ignoble' be a better fit than 'sordid'?

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When can 'mean' be used instead of 'sordid'?

The words mean and sordid can be used in similar contexts, but mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

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Synonyms & Antonyms of sordid

1 not clean

he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up

Synonyms for sordid

Words Related to sordid

greasy,
gunky

raunchy,
scuzzy
[slang],
shabby,
skanky
[slang],
sleazy,
squalid

collied
[chiefly British dialect],
crocked
[dialect],
fuliginous,
sooty

Near Antonyms for sordid

Antonyms for sordid

2 not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

a sordid affair involving bribery and corruption in high places

Synonyms for sordid

Words Related to sordid

cruel,
vicious

Near Antonyms for sordid

Antonyms for sordid

Frequently Asked Questions About sordid

How does the adjective sordid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject, ignoble, and mean. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Where would abject be a reasonable alternative to sordid?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than sordid?

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions