VILLAINOUS Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

villainous

adjective

ˈvi-lə-nəs

Definition of villainous next

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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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

Examples of villainous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Meanwhile, for fans of the many villainous characters across Disney, there was an extra special announcement, the arrival of Villains Land at the Magic Kingdom. —

Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 11 Aug. 2024 Many people online have suggested that the building drama could be a marketing strategy, citing Baldoni’s villainous and abusive character in the movie as a reason to keep him on the sidelines in the promotion. —

Moises Mendez Ii, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024 Two of his more recent WWE matches include losses to up-and-comer Austin Theory and the villainous Solo Sikoa. —

Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 7 July 2024 Also, since the episode saw the deaths of the villainous Milo Sunter (Aiden Gillen), as well as more tragic ends for long-time characters Iris (Emma Laird) and Capt. Kareem Moore (Michael Beach), the question is: Are these characters gone for good? —

Jim Halterman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for villainous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'villainous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.