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.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the "vile" sanctions would be met with "greater unity and determination from our people."

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

But there is significant and respected scholarship that goes much further and holds that the Constitution is a pro-slavery, and pro-Southern, document which protected that vile institution.

From Salon • May 14, 2026

A government spokesperson said that "women and girls deserve to feel safe" and that "filming and sharing content online without their consent is vile and will not be tolerated".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

She came to me after that scene, and she goes, “Sonny, in all my years in this business, that is the most vile, disgusting thing I’ve ever had to do.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

No indeed, the world is just as concrete, ornery, vile and sublimely wonderful as before, only now I better understand my relation to it and it to me.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Vocabulary lists containing vile

100 Words to Make You Sound Smart

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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