1
as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable a vile plot to murder their political enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vile contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and low are common synonyms of vile. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

When can base be used instead of vile?

The words base and vile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When is low a more appropriate choice than vile?

The meanings of low and vile largely overlap; however, low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

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 vile Free speech scholars maintain the most vile and reprehensible speech, including that which celebrates someone's death, is legally protected — not from the consequences meted by private employers, but from government suppression. Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025 If someone uses their employer’s platform to say something vile about Kirk, ok free to fire people. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025 Companies and federal agencies have been scouring the internet in search of vile comments related to Kirk’s killing. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025 The lingering effects of an incident so vile occurring within Burning man’s sweet bubble are bound to affect people for a long time. Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile
Adjective
  • Tim Curry's marvelous Frank was a monster of self-regard, and Tim knew exactly how to give this evil genius his head and Mick served it up on a photographic plate.
    Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Major biotech companies that churn out made-to-order DNA for scientists have protections in place to keep dangerous biological material out of the hands of would-be evil-doers.
    Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And what about all that nasty mother stuff?
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The wedding ballads can wait; this nasty jam should still get the dancefloor packed in the meantime.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Lindell handles very ugly, difficult matchups and usually comes out on top, regardless of who he’s partnered with.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • If the scoreline made for ugly reading, the performance wasn’t much better.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike previous seasons, Dorothy never makes immoral choices.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This is disgraceful and immoral.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Its dual-tank water system keeps clean and dirty water separate, while the multi-surface brush roll handles sealed hard floors and rugs.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Use a toothbrush to scrub the extra-dirty spots or a scrub brush to refresh an entire piece of furniture before using a microfiber cloth to remove lingering soap bubbles.
    Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jets did precious little against the hideous Dallas defense and, on the other side of the ball, allowed scoring drives of 90 and 91 yards.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • At the same time, such a transition as implied by the current crisis necessitates and implies a coming organizational shift in society, but that could either result in a hideous fascism or in something genuinely utopian.
    Ed Simon September 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The tort of battery, meaning unlawful and harmful physical contact, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, which refers to using extreme conduct to terrorize another, are potential claims.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Hoping to keep the Solar for All program on track, the group has asked a jury to declare the program's termination unlawful and issue an injunction requiring the EPA to reinstate the program.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s actually the cruelest thing about them.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The cold on August 27, 2011, was unprecedented—unbridled, utterly cruel.
    Mariana Enriquez October 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vile. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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