SORDID Synonyms: 192 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject , ignoble , and mean . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

Q: Where would 'abject' be a reasonable alternative to 'sordid'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid , abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

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

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When can 'mean' be used instead of 'sordid'?

The words mean and sordid can be used in similar contexts, but mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

sordid

adjective

ˈsȯr-dəd

Definition of sordid next

as in filthy

not clean he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency a sordid affair involving bribery and corruption in high places

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sordid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject, ignoble, and mean. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Where would abject be a reasonable alternative to sordid?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than sordid?

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When can mean be used instead of sordid?

The words mean and sordid can be used in similar contexts, but mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

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 sordid Back in the news with Ryan Murphy’s Netflix hit Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the siblings’ sordid decades-old murder case today found itself in the spotlight again thanks to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2024 When Democrats complained, Republicans pointed towards the sordid history of Democratic gerrymandering in North Carolina and argued, essentially, that turnabout was fair play. —

Christopher Cooper / Made By History, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024 This particular pair of ruby slippers has a more sordid past than its prop siblings. —

Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 9 Dec. 2024 Koul interviewed Francis at his compound in Mexico about the history of Girls Gone Wild and his sordid history with the company, including alleged assaults. —

Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sordid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid

Adjective

Lamine Yamal’s filthy turn for the second goal (above) let football shine through the politics for a second.

— Phil Hay, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
In the earlier seasons of the show, characters were often filthy, caked with dirt and blood, clothes tattered.

— Erik Kain, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025