Synonyms of sordid

sordid

adjective

ˈsȯr-dəd 

1

as in filthy

not clean

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• filthy
• dusty
• dirty
• muddy
• blackened
• stained
• nasty
• black
• messy
• grimy
• dingy
• greasy
• grubby
• smudged
• smutty
• mucky
• soiled
• unclean
• polluted
• foul
• grungy
• begrimed
• sloppy
• chaotic
• grotty
• bedraggled
• sullied
• uncleanly
• cruddy
• draggled
• befouled
• besmirched
• contaminated
• messed
• impure
• unsanitary
• bemired
• confused
• insanitary
• tainted
• littered
• squalid
• unwashed
• cluttered
• sleazy
• slovenly
• muddled
• unsterile
• untidy
• raunchy
• disordered
• jumbled
• shabby
• uncleaned
• unkempt
• scruffy
• disheveled
• unsterilized
• rumpled
• defiled
• germy
• disarranged
• sooty
• scuzzy
• skanky
• fuliginous
• gunky
• disarrayed
• mussy
• mussed
• crocked
• collied

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsullied
• clean
• pure
• immaculate
• spotless
• stainless
• clear
• unstained
• unsoiled
• spick-and-span
• limpid
• neat
• ultraclean
• cleanly
• orderly
• tidy
• cleaned
• cleansed
• perfect
• shiny
• groomed
• bleached
• untouched
• ordered
• bright
• combed
• wholesome
• sparkling
• whitened
• purified
• flawless
• unpolluted
• untainted
• unspotted
• unblemished
• virgin
• undefiled
• taintless

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

• vile
• dirty
• nasty
• immoral
• cruel
• vicious
• ignoble
• corrupt
• ignominious
• contemptible
• detestable
• despicable
• wretched
• dishonorable
• bad
• low-down
• execrable
• evil
• snide
• mean
• paltry
• base
• low-minded
• wicked
• low
• foul
• currish
• wrong
• iniquitous
• depraved
• perverted
• reprehensible
• debauched
• shameful
• dissolute
• miscreant
• debased
• degenerate
• villainous
• disgraceful
• censurable
• disreputable
• discreditable
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• blameworthy
• atrocious
• blamable
• unethical
• unworthy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noble
• high
• virtuous
• lofty
• honorable
• moral
• ethical
• straight
• honest
• venerable
• upright
• righteous
• good
• scrupulous
• excellent
• just
• principled
• exemplary
• right
• proper
• high-minded
• commendable
• respectable
• decent
• reputable
• blameless
• guiltless
• seemly
• right-minded
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• uncorrupted
• unerring

Synonym Chooser

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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sordid

These days, revenge literature arrives most often as a sordid memoir or roman à clef in which grievances are recounted, villainy exposed, and relevant facts set forth. —Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026

History provides a simple and sordid answer. —Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026

The sordid allegations are a part of an ongoing lawsuit between the parties. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2026

One pivotal source emerged under sordid circumstances. —David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026