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.

That is a prospect some Iranians who supported the war, seeing it as a way to remove what they consider a vile regime, may be hoping for.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“What’s the worst, most vile thing a filmmaker could conjure up to hinge an entire movie on?”

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

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

I still have to soak in a tub of something, but it isn’t vile, and we’re on to my hair and makeup before I know it.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing vile

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

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"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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