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
• fallen
• degenerate
• debauched
• pestilential
• scrofulous
• debased
• noxious
• ungodly
• unhealthy
• censurable
• unwholesome
• blameworthy
• incorrect
• libertine
• loose
• unprincipled
• miserable
• proscribed
• reprobate
• wretched
• outlawed
• execrable
• barred
• low-minded
• unseemly
• unclean
• discouraged
• vulgar
• dishonorable
• errant
• low
• blamable
• indecent
• unbecoming
• indecorous
• erring
• cussed
• lousy
• disallowed
• curst
• 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
• indorsed
• 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

The new Carnage maze coming to Magic Mountain this Halloween season will take visitors inside a fortress ruled by a villainous clown named Carnage. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025

The story calls for a chorus of dancing sardines, a volcano, a villainous amoeba and more. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

Wednesday fans were stunned, elated even, when the second season’s third episode ended with the shocking return of Christina Ricci as villainous Nevermore teacher Marilyn Thornhill. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 7 Aug. 2025

The fictional Night Raven College serves as a training ground for aspiring sorcerers, with dormitories themed around villainous icons like the Queen of Hearts, Scar, Ursula, Jafar, the Evil Queen, Hades and Maleficent. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025