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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

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 sordid But the reports do not contain any of the more sordid details that Webb hasn’t hesitated to share publicly — claims that could damage her credibility in the eyes of some observers. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 This sordid spectacle has sparked in millions of people—in the United States and around the world—some serious Schadenfrudy, or pleasure derived from Rudy Giuliani's misfortunes. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 However, history has proven that male rappers can still thrive despite the most sordid allegations. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 The two have a sordid mission to coordinate, but first Mullins reflects on the good old days, namely 9/11 and George W. Bush. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sordid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
  • The new house is now disgustingly filthy and filled with trash and the smell of cat urine.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The common areas of the building have been filthy, too: trash all around the grounds and dirty stairwells.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Imperial City Sewers you’re meant to traverse while learning the basics of the game look hideous and vile.
    Jamal Michel, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
  • While he’s gone, Louise really does give it the ol’ college try with Dane, who hurls threats, vile insults, and more threats in her direction.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Although a typical shareholder meeting is a dusty, staid affair, the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting is entirely different.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • For a match made in sleep heaven, opt for this dusty mauve sheet set from Quince, one of our go-tos for high-quality, affordable bedding.
    Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tom Hardy stars in the neo-noir crime thriller as a corrupt detective named Walker, who shoots, punches, and drop-kicks his way through an entire criminal underworld to rescue the estranged son of dirty politician Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker).
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Nearly every dish/pan in the place was dirty multiple times a day.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The car’s tires were muddy and the rear window was smashed.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
  • Some kinds of anchors are better suited to muddy bottoms, while others excel in grassy or rocky bottoms.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mingyang took the center of the Octagon from the beginning, landed hard leg kicks, and opened a nasty gash on Smith’s forehead with a step-in elbow.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • That is exactly what the Giants need: nastier players on both sides of the ball.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
  • Even children and adolescents express more willingness to shun and punish moral transgressors than people who do something personally obnoxious or offensive but not immoral.
    Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Regardless of what transpired between the two cast members, on or off screen, Aspen was unfairly portrayed as an immoral character.
    Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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