Synonyms of turpitude

turpitude

noun

ˈtər-pə-ˌtüd 

as in degradation

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior

pictorial advertisements for chic clothing and fragrances in which drug addiction and other forms of moral turpitude are depicted as alternative fashion statements

Synonyms & Similar Words

• degradation
• corruptness
• corruption
• dissoluteness
• abjection
• degeneracy
• decadence
• debasement
• perversion
• sinfulness
• depravity
• dissipation
• demoralization
• decadency
• debauchery
• evil
• libertinage
• degeneration
• libertinism
• rakishness
• villainy
• immorality
• degenerateness
• pervertedness
• wickedness
• dissipatedness
• squalor
• filth
• gangrene
• rot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• virtue
• morality
• goodness
• righteousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of turpitude

Zvyagintsev has never cast himself as a dissident; his dense stories of corrupt authority and moral turpitude could arguably be told anywhere. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 19 May 2026

The Fed Chair and Fed Governors could be removed before the end of their term only for cause, which is generally taken to mean moral turpitude rather than differences in opinion with the administration over how the Fed meets its mission. — Raghuram Rajan, Time, 23 Jan. 2026

Some 500 years later — in between which came the turpitude and disruption of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism — African countries are seeking to once again prioritize building trade between themselves, seeing it as essential to boosting their collective role in the global economy. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Mueller’s chronicle of prevarication, moral turpitude, and incompetence is dispiriting, but his presentation of rigorous legal reasoning and strict adherence to statutes, case law, and procedural rules is inspiring. — Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 21 May 2019

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!