nefarious
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for nefarious, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Wicked or criminal, especially in a way that is notorious or widely condemned.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use nefarious
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nefarious plot
nefarious activities
nefarious scheme
nefarious purposes
A formal, slightly dramatic word — often used almost tongue-in-cheek about villains and schemes.
Etymology
From Latin nefarius, "wicked" — built from ne- ("not") and fas ("what is right in the eyes of the gods").
Full origin of nefarious →Frequently asked questions
What does “nefarious” mean?
The word “nefarious” means wicked or criminal, especially in a way that is notorious or widely condemned. In plain terms, deeply wicked or criminal — usually said of plans, plots, or deeds rather than everyday bad behaviour.
How do you pronounce “nefarious”?
“Nefarious” is pronounced nih-FEH-uh-ree-uhs (/nɪˈfɛəɹi.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nefarious” in a sentence?
Here is “nefarious” used in a sentence: “The gang was finally caught after years of nefarious activity.”
What part of speech is “nefarious”?
“Nefarious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “nefarious” come from?
The word “nefarious” comes from Latin. From Latin nefarius, "wicked" — built from ne- ("not") and fas ("what is right in the eyes of the gods").
