Synonyms of vile

vile

adjective

ˈvī(-ə)l 

1

as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

a vile plot to murder their political enemies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evil
• immoral
• unlawful
• sinful
• vicious
• dark
• bad
• wicked
• obscene
• rotten
• villainous
• cruel
• nefarious
• infamous
• offensive
• iniquitous
• corrupt
• wrong
• ugly
• unsavory
• illegal
• unethical
• unauthorized
• unrighteous
• cursed
• improper
• nasty
• dirty
• contemptible
• condemned
• despicable
• sordid
• infernal
• disreputable
• ignoble
• depraved
• prohibited
• reprehensible
• objectionable
• pernicious
• naughty
• atrocious
• noxious
• dishonest
• forbidden
• perverted
• ill
• sick
• debased
• snide
• pestilential
• unwholesome
• degenerate
• mean
• ungodly
• debauched
• dissolute
• scrofulous
• base
• unhealthy
• censurable
• fallen
• wretched
• blameworthy
• incorrect
• unclean
• miserable
• libertine
• execrable
• blamable
• evil-minded
• vulgar
• unprincipled
• indecent
• unscrupulous
• unseemly
• proscribed
• loose
• low-minded
• outlawed
• barred
• reprobate
• dishonorable
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• discouraged
• lousy
• defiling
• low
• errant
• cussed
• banned
• disallowed
• erring
• interdicted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moral
• good
• virtuous
• honorable
• noble
• righteous
• sublime
• ethical
• decent
• legitimate
• right
• honest
• high
• legal
• upright
• lofty
• just
• permitted
• reputable
• elevated
• scrupulous
• principled
• permissible
• authorized
• endorsed
• licensed
• approved
• proper
• high-minded
• sanctioned
• correct
• decent
• clean
• allowed
• promoted
• pure
• exemplary
• supported
• white
• decorous
• seemly
• innocent
• perfect
• wholesome
• creditable
• blameless
• worthy
• commendable
• law-abiding
• encouraged
• guiltless
• inoffensive
• unobjectionable
• chaste
• immaculate
• spotless
• venerable
• irreproachable
• incorruptible
• esteemed
• unerring
• abetted
• respected
• uncorrupted
• lily-white
• squeaky-clean
• unfallen
• upstanding

2

as in nasty

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

a vile trick to play on someone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

3

as in ugly

unpleasant to look at

an outfit with a truly vile combination of colors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ugly
• hideous
• grotesque
• unpleasing
• disgusting
• awful
• monstrous
• unattractive
• unsightly
• unappealing
• homely
• unlovely
• horrible
• loathsome
• repulsive
• abominable
• sickening
• revolting
• unbeautiful
• uncomely
• ill-favored
• repugnant
• appalling
• unpretty
• horrid
• unhandsome
• abhorrent
• nauseating
• repellent
• dreadful
• distasteful
• gross
• nauseous
• noisome
• unbecoming
• plain
• frumpy
• unaesthetic
• unshapely
• frumpish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• beautiful
• lovely
• pretty
• attractive
• gorgeous
• handsome
• goodly
• beauteous
• stunning
• fair
• cute
• ravishing
• aesthetic
• seemly
• good-looking
• comely
• knockout
• drop-dead
• taking
• fetching
• shapely
• sightly
• bonny
• impressive
• imposing
• well-favored
• prepossessing

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

Recent Examples of vile

While some commenters may argue that even their most hateful and vile statements are protected by freedom of expression principles, this may not be true, because private corporations that host comment spaces do not have to allow all types of speech. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

His Max is both vile and charming, and the result is undeniably magnetic. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026

Slayyyter’s music is vile, explicit, and a threat to common decency. —Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026

Unfortunately, there is a growing fear that their vile conduct may be but the tip of a very toxic iceberg floating about the halls of Congress. —Douglas MacKinnon, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026