ABJECT Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'abject' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble , mean , and sordid . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

Q: When might 'ignoble' be a better fit than 'abject'?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mean' instead of 'abject'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject , mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

Q: When would 'sordid' be a good substitute for 'abject'?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

abject

adjective

ˈab-ˌjekt

Definition of abject next

as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective abject differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than abject?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When is it sensible to use mean instead of abject?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When would sordid be a good substitute for abject?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Examples 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 abject Here is a region with the world’s highest population and the vulgar coexistence of unspeakable wealth as well as abject poverty. —

Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Kathy Bates on battling the 'abject terror' of leading the new Matlock What other challenges does Matty present? —

Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 23 Sep. 2024 So recently, now the event horizon of abject failure is upon the London Stock Exchange where the CEO of the exchange itself is not even on the board of the London Stock Exchange Group, the word is out that the London market needs rejuvenating. —

Clem Chambers, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 President Kennedy was only about three generations removed from abject poverty. —

Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abject

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abject

Adjective

Chapter 1: The Rise of Scribe Media Scribe Media started in 2014 as the humbler, niche-sounding Book in a Box.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Just a few steps up the hill is a humble boulangerie that punches far above its weight; Le Fornil de Mon Père has been making bread and pastries in the area for eight decades.

Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Dec. 2024