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 The verdict: Its flavor was nothing short of despicably vile, which made Orly’s nail-biting polish both a gift and a curse along my journey to end my bad habit. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 30 Jan. 2025 This individual’s conduct and language were vile, disgusting, unacceptable, and horrific and have no place in our workplace and society. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025 Alexander Basara and his fiancée, Ally Keller, attended Sunday’s game in Philadelphia, but their experience supporting their team was soured when an Eagles fan, identified as Ryan Caldwell, lashed out at Keller and Basara in a vile tirade. Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025 The vile act prompted Hodges to snatch a plastic bottle and hurl it at the suspect, who dodged the drink and then drew a knife, the deli worker said. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vile
Adjective
  • My Little Puny sparkles in a double role as the prince and the fairy godmother, but Tabitha is a scene-stealing vamping diva as the evil stepmother.
    Barry Levitt, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
  • That being said, there are numerous dire consequences due to AI performing potentially evil acts or being used by evildoers.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Poles needs to find difference-makers, nasty offensive linemen, game-wrecking defensive linemen, ravenous pass rushers … again, the Bears have a lot of needs.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Stacey woke up with a nasty hangover from the night prior.
    Abigail Adams, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The advanced metrics paint an ugly picture for the Suns as well over that span: 114.0 OffRtg (11th), 117.3 DefRtg (27th), -3.2 NetRtg (21st).
    Evan Sidery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Or the constitutional dystopia in which we are now caught, beside which even the ugliest onscreen villainy pales into insignificance?
    Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Under Taliban rule, morality laws are strictly enforced, and activities considered immoral or against Islamic principles—such as pornography, adultery, or LGBTQ+ content—are harshly punished.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Some view his proposal to take over Gaza as outlandish or immoral, and are no fans of Israel’s right-wing government.
    Katie Glueck, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Udoka hasn’t been quite as bold with a statement but has acknowledged the reality of Smith having to space the floor, trust his teammates and embrace the dirty work around the edges.
    Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Mining is one of the dirtiest industries, contributing upwards of 5% of global carbon emissions.
    Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The result was good for the Jayhawks, as the Cyclones shot a hideous 1-for-12 (11%) from long range.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Rust is a big deal, as is the fact that many Panteras have been mangled by previous owners bestowing hideous enhancements (think bad celebrity plastic surgery) on otherwise desirable cars.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Alsup’s order is a temporary measure that requires OPM to notify agencies that its directive was unlawful.
    Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Their actions have sparked numerous lawsuits, and on Thursday, a federal judge in California found that the mass firings of probationary employees were likely unlawful.
    Kristin Brown, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Even then, the final late twist with the penalty felt particularly cruel.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, Still Alice highlights the cruel nature of the illness, where a person can still feel present while simultaneously losing pieces of themselves, creating a unique kind of grief.
    Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vile. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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