Synonyms of villainous

villainous

adjective

ˈvi-lə-nəs 

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of villainous

In any lesser performance, that character could’ve hardened into a villainous fairy-tale creature, the uncaring mother who has abandoned her child for the sake of her own unnatural career ambitions. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

And when Lord Penwood dies, the villainous step-mother informs poor Sophie that her father left her no inheritance, and to survive, Sophie must become a maid in the Penwood house. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

Ashton Kutcher, who leads the cast of The Beauty as a villainous tech billionaire, shares two kids with his wife of over 10 years, Mila Kunis. —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Roper returns as his villainous heir, Teddy (played by the very watchable Diego Calva), is juggling a secret arms shipment for his undercover army. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2026