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.

Philadelphia’s Kurt Vile, who has been making rootsy indie-rock solo albums for 18 years, has settled into a creative conception so expansive that he may never run out of material.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Spanning 11 series and multiple spin-offs, the BBC show followed the books' unconventional and engaging approach to history, with titles such as Groovy Greeks, Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2024

Vile as Spartan abuse of the Helots was, the end result of Sparta’s eventual championing of the cause of freedom abroad was arguably even worse.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2024

“He was a special, jovial guy,” Mr. Enriquez’s sister, Griselda Vile, said of him.

From New York Times • May 23, 2022

Not to be trampled on, though: vile foot, stay; Vile foot, is this to tread the heavenly Way?

From The Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume II (of 2) by Crashaw, Richard

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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