Definition of vilenext
1
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 His Max is both vile and charming, and the result is undeniably magnetic. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026 Slayyyter’s music is vile, explicit, and a threat to common decency. Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026 Unfortunately, there is a growing fear that their vile conduct may be but the tip of a very toxic iceberg floating about the halls of Congress. Douglas MacKinnon, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026 Their vile chants are surely loud enough to be heard from 25 feet away. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile
Adjective
  • The actors sprang to life, staging a lurid scene in which an evil mistress named Selina frames the heroine for killing her unborn child.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Clearly, the Iranian regime is evil.
    Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The duo made up for the absence of Wembanyama, who did not clear concussion protocol after a nasty fall knocked him out early from a Game 2 loss.
    Christian Clark, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Lomu did not fit the typical profile Mike Vrabel seeks in linemen, players with a nasty streak and fierce play demeanor.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Rudy Gobert followed his inspired Game 2 effort against Nikola Jokic by stifling the three-time MVP again on an ugly 7-for-26 shooting night, and the Timberwolves established a postseason franchise record by allowing the Nuggets just 11 points in the tone-setting first quarter.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pope Francis changed the church’s social teaching to declare capital punishment immoral in all cases.
    Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • For him, in becoming photosynthetic, civilized beings would only gain in hallmarks of intelligence, like autonomy and compassion, given that a species living off starlight converts energy to work without the messy, immoral mediation of a food chain.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The drinks attract younger women, typically age 16 to 35, and are aimed at health-conscious customers that don’t want Swig’s more caloric and filling dirty sodas, CEO Alex Dunn said.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • That wasn’t the only utensil stored in a dirty place.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The two hideous games between the Lakers and Rockets will likely come to mind relatively quickly, but the trend has been greater than just one series.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Such is a snarky line that Emily Blunt delivers as Emily Charlton in The Devil Wears Prada, a character who would rather faint than wear something hideous.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Van Dyke, who is stationed at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina, was charged Thursday with the unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.
    Gary D. Robertson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • He has been charged in New York federal court with unlawful use of confidential government information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In what neatly encapsulates the uncomfortable, rude, thin-skinned yet cruel, sarcastic and ultimately juvenile communication style of his online brood, the leader of the pack started with — what else — Lawrence’s looks.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Every day in New York City, thousands of home attendants are being forced to work cruel 24-hour shifts while being paid for only 13 of those hours.
    Christopher Marte, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vile. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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