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Definitions

sordid

[sawr-did] / ˈsɔr dɪd /
ADJECTIVE
dirty, bad, low
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disreputable nasty shameful sleazy squalid vile
WEAK
abject avaricious base black calculated corrupt covetous debauched degenerate degraded despicable dowdy filthy foul grasping grubby ignoble impure low-down mean mercenary miserable miserly poor scurvy seedy self-seeking selfish servile shabby slovenly slummy small small-minded unclean uncleanly ungenerous venal vicious wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clean decent good kind nice reputable respectable
WEAK
honorable wonderful

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.

Long before his role in the Epstein case came to light, Brunel already had a sordid reputation in the fashion world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Many accounts of the Murdaugh family’s sordid history mention that the five-county South Carolina district doubling as their fiefdom was nicknamed Murdaugh Country.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2025

Yet the boy’s yearning for family outweighs his sordid circumstances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

But sordid details emerged during the legal cases, revealing a darker side.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2025

Padva continues on unfazed, glossing over only the most sordid of details that Widget can read in the sparkle of her eyes even if she does not speak them aloud.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

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