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Definitions

vile

[vahyl] / vaɪl /
ADJECTIVE
offensive, horrible
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appalling contemptible depraved despicable disgraceful disgusting horrid humiliating immoral miserable nasty noxious repugnant repulsive revolting shocking sleazy ugly vicious vulgar
WEAK
abandoned abject bad base coarse corrupt debased degenerate dirty evil filthy foul ignoble impure iniquitous loathsome low mean nauseating nefarious perverted repellent sickening sinful stinking wicked worthless wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable attractive comforting decent desirous friendly gentle good happy helpful honorable kind moral nice noble pleasant pleasing pure respectable right safe uncorrupt virtuous worthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Rachel’s detailed juxtaposition of this voyeurism with the vile historical facts exposes the young musicians’ ignorance and crassness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

"Today's lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and antisemitism in all its vile forms," Bondi said in a statement.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

“Today’s lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and antisemitism in all its vile forms.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The catty media site Gawker noted that corners of the internet like 4Chan could be expected to respond with heinous pranks, without realizing how vile the rhetoric of regular people was about to get.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

I had acted stupidly, but Dad’s reaction was vile and despicable.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.