scurvy

Synonym Chooser

How is the word scurvy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of scurvy are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might contemptible be a better fit than scurvy?

The synonyms contemptible and scurvy are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When can despicable be used instead of scurvy?

The words despicable and scurvy can be used in similar contexts, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for scurvy?

The words pitiable and scurvy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When could sorry be used to replace scurvy?

In some situations, the words sorry and scurvy are roughly equivalent. However, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 scurvy The squadron immediately ran into trouble when typhus and then scurvy, a grotesque disease of Vitamin C deficiency, struck down the majority of the crew. Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023 In the ancient world, would-be surgeons sometimes used primitive drills or saws on people, and even a child, with brain traumas, scurvy or intracranial infection, sometimes killing them. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2023 The marooned adventurers endured unfathomable suffering, ranging from extreme cold to endless nights to hideous diseases such as scurvy, a vitamin-C deficiency that rots the flesh and teeth, swells the limbs, causes excruciating pain, and if left untreated usually results in death. Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Aug. 2021 What exactly is scurvy? Leah Groth, Health.com, 20 Aug. 2020 See all Example Sentences for scurvy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scurvy
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • Mercifully, Newcastle came up against a Leicester side whose setup under Ruud van Nistelrooy was as naive as their defensive performance was pitiful.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The Bucs gained 156 yards on 32 carries, with the Giants’ pitiful tackling paving the way to most of those yards.
    Dan Duggan, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Star Wars Outlaws Welcome to a wretched hive of scum and villainy.
    Richard Newby, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024
  • That’s the shame of ruining what could have been the kind of win that happens once in a blue moon after a wretched first half when the offense totaled only two first downs and the Lions held a 16-0 lead and a 279-53 advantage in yardage.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The electric vehicle maker still is shooting for a launch of its cheaper vehicle in the first half of next year and other models later in the year, the bank said after the meeting with investor relations chief Travis Axelrod.
    Rachael Levy, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • And cheap, lower-tech methods of creating and disseminating false information have been extremely successful on their own.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Wireless Humidifier Another Healthy Home Awards winner, this portable humidifier can sit on top of their desk or nightstand to hydrate dry skin (or help a cold feel a little less nasty).
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Threat researchers have confirmed that a nasty new scam that targets macOS users is being actively exploited by hackers looking to get victims to download malware that will attempt to steal passwords from the keychain as well as through the Chrome, Bravo and Vivaldi web browsers manage others.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The dirty secret is that students don't want to take courses in neo-Marxist nonsense.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • But this flavor swaps dirty diesel for a clean and quiet electric drivetrain built around a 74-kWh battery pack for more than 90 miles (150 km) of hauling over all kinds of challenging terrain.
    Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What's more, there was a mean 8.3-fold improvement in microbial diversity, including beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila, helping the body to build its own natural defense against inflammation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch plots to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Runs Dec. 10-15.
    Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • That ends up dislodging the disgusting foreign item in Larry's throat.
    Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Leigh goes for the gags in this one, from Broadbent’s workplace pratfall to friend of the family Aubrey’s (Timothy Spall) disgusting new restaurant.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near scurvy

Cite this Entry

“Scurvy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scurvy. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on scurvy

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