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.

As North Korea’s hagiographers rewrote history, they held American missionaries responsible for the country’s misfortunes, while state-sponsored novels, plays and museums depicted them as jackals who subjected Koreans to vile human experiments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

And it could get bitterly personal and utterly vile very quickly.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 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

Yet my eye could not decipher those vendors: they wrapped their heads in bright-colored cloths as cheerful as a party, but faced the world with permanent vile frowns.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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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