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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

"Shame on @deoncole and all those in the audience who laughed at his vile 'jokes'."

From BBC • Mar. 2, 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

"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 am mean and I am cheap. Sometimes I am a coward and often times I’m selfish. I ain’t a beauty to look at. But I am not vile, shameful, base, or depraved!”

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

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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