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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 For some, however, the misfortune of others prompts them to unleash the most vile and abhorrent of screeds. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025 But here’s the hard truth: the First Amendment protects vile, hateful speech, not just popular opinions. Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025 The second my status came into question, the vile comments on my worthiness came out, and those comments are telling. Sonam Sheth gabe Whisnant billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 The Baloncesto Superior Nacional league announced Tuesday that Cousins was kicked off the Mets de Guaynabo after a vile gesture toward a fan, grabbing his genitals to mock the fan as the fan flipped both his middle fingers. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile
Adjective
  • An evil wealthy guy who funds murderers to support his own sicko obsession?
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 July 2025
  • Evan Peters is the evil tech exec Julian Dillinger.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 5-foot-8, 185-pound Robinson was on the receiving end of a nasty collision with outside linebacker Brian Burns on Friday.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • After dropping Monday’s opener to the Twins – following a nasty delay between the top and bottom of the ninth – the Red Sox got right back on the horse.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • In February, the feud between way and actor Marlon Wayans reached an ugly head when the rapper published a series of cruel and vindictive social media posts targeting Wayans' transgender son, Kai.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Shocking Roadblock in Cowboys Star's Contract Talks Chicago Bears Mentioned as Possible Trade Partner For Dallas Cowboys Star NFL Expert Projects Micah Parsons' Trade Value for Cowboys This is quickly disintegrating into an ugly standoff between player and organization.
    Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Basically, how others will judge you for moving on, if you’ll be seen as incompetent or immoral for quitting.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025
  • With his opaque history and sources of wealth, his super-powerful friends and his immoral appetites, Epstein became the perfect avatar for our at-home Hollywood heroism.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • That version of Boldy — the skilled scorer not afraid to go to the dirty areas — had superstar qualities and scored some big-time goals.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • Another is to use one of the brand's sprays and spritz the dirty surface, wipe it down, then rinse with water.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • Luthor combats Superman through a combination of science and technology — injecting nanobot GPS trackers into Superman’s bloodstream — using methods that recall the hideous Covid manipulation.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
  • The dark edge in Bushnell’s writing reflects less a brave new world than a world that is the hideous extension of the old one.
    Alice Bolin June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • After the incident, the McCloskeys's were were seized by law enforcement, and they were charged with unlawful use of a weapon by St. Louis' former Democratic prosecutor, Kim Gardner.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • On July 12, 2024, Valdes was charged with one count each of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon in Kansas City, according to a Jackson County court document.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • A little more than a year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a decision from the Ninth Circuit that determined a ban on people sleeping in public was constitutionally cruel and unusual.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
  • In an inordinately cowardly and cruel act, Rubio stayed away from the department that day, ignoring the men and women whose careers and life plans were decimated by his flippant decision-making.
    Lynn Northcutt Vega, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vile. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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