as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective villainous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of villainous are corrupt, degenerate, iniquitous, nefarious, and vicious. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

When is corrupt a more appropriate choice than villainous?

While the synonyms corrupt and villainous are close in meaning, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When is it sensible to use degenerate instead of villainous?

The synonyms degenerate and villainous are sometimes interchangeable, but degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When might iniquitous be a better fit than villainous?

The words iniquitous and villainous can be used in similar contexts, but iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can nefarious take the place of villainous?

The words nefarious and villainous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

Where would vicious be a reasonable alternative to villainous?

Although the words vicious and villainous have much in common, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

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 villainous This set features a scene from the climactic battle between the Avengers and the villainous Thanos. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 10 July 2025 Robert Knepper is also introduced as the villainous Antonius, an original character who doesn’t appear in the books. Kelly Martinez Published, EW.com, 5 July 2025 More Pro Wrestling: Attitude Era Star Returns To WWE In A New Role Since then, Mysterio has taken on a more villainous persona: hating his father, cheating to win, and turning on allies in order to do what's best for him. Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 But everyone in Season 2 had their villainous moments. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for villainous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for villainous
Adjective
  • From the twins and their parents to evil fiancées and housekeepers, the characters have gained a cult following since their release, with some fans using them as inspiration for their outfits, summer mood boards, and interior design.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Historically, antisemitic conspiracy theories have revolved around the idea that a shadowy and evil Jewish elite secretly controls the world, and ritualistic child abuse is a common trope within them.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910, is a federal law that prohibits the interstate or foreign transportation of individuals for prostitution or other immoral activities.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • What Ukraine needs now is the time, tools, and space to prove to the Kremlin that an occupation is not just immoral but incompatible with Russia’s long-term security needs.
    Michael Carpenter, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The dad was charged with violating his probation, parental kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the news release.
    Kate Linderman July 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
  • In a brief unsigned opinion, the Supreme Court said that the injunction issued by the district court was based on its view that Mr. Trump's executive order and directives from the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management implementing that action are unlawful.
    July 8, CBS News, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Growing up in rural Tennessee, my grandfather learned that certain activities — card playing, smoking, imbibing — were sinful.
    Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • The therapy was the most spiritual, calming and sinful experience of Ingrid’s life.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stanton, demonstrating that there’s still plenty of power in his vicious swing, sent the pitch 401 feet the other way at 106.1 mph.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
  • The author presents a vicious takedown of George Washington.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tweets, a vile departure from Elmo’s often inspiring and motivational social media cadence, were sent on July 13 and promptly taken down.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 July 2025
  • Michael Kracker, the chair of the Erie County Republican Committee, posted the image on X, formerly Twitter, describing it as vile.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Tiernan McKinney often works on guitar necks, while Kennedy himself has input along the way on design, wood type, color and the wicked inlays found from top to bottom of each piece.
    Otto Rabe, The Enquirer, 9 July 2025
  • Zayn fought back valiantly, but was cut off in midair with a wicked Spear from Breakker.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Look for bronze or dark spots on the foliage or prominent purple veins.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 July 2025
  • The duo stepped out in complementary dark ensembles, with Hayek wearing one of her favorite footwear looks — hefty platform heels — with a black velvet dress.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Villainous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/villainous. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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