Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

vicious

[vish-uhs] / ˈvɪʃ əs /
ADJECTIVE
corrupt, wrong
Synonyms
STRONGEST
atrocious barbarous cruel dangerous depraved diabolical ferocious heinous infamous monstrous nefarious perverse savage vile violent wicked
WEAK
abandoned abhorrent bad base contaminated debased degenerate degraded demoralized faulty fiendish flagitious foul immoral impious impure indecent iniquitous insubordinate lewd libidinous licentious miscreant profligate putrid reprehensible reprobate rotten sinful unprincipled untamed villainous wild worthless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm civilized gentle glorious good honorable innocent kind mild moral nice pure respectable tame virtuous
WEAK
friendly pleasant right
ADJECTIVE
nasty, hateful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brutal cruel dirty evil fierce intense malevolent malicious murderous rancorous savage spiteful venomous vindictive violent wicked
WEAK
backbiting beastly bloodthirsty cussed defamatory despiteful frightful furious horrid lousy malign mean ornery poisonous rough slanderous tough vehement
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm decent forgiving gentle good helpful kind loving mild moderate moral nice peaceful sympathetic tame thoughtful upright
WEAK
friendly pleasant right

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.

“If people can’t afford to pay for basic needs, they’re going to take on debt and then it just becomes a vicious cycle,” said Copeland.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

It means the vicious circle tightens and darkens.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Mason Howell, the 18-year-old amateur playing with McIlroy, was taking such vicious swings at the ball that his hat came off three times during his round, including on the opening tee.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

It wasn’t his first encounter with a beast that has become the Heartland’s most vicious invader.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The pains continued, as did the need to empty the contents of my stomach, and a vicious cycle ensued.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Vocabulary lists containing vicious

Negative Words to Describe a Person

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!

Beowulf: A New Telling

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Schooled

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!