vile
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for vile, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Morally disgusting or contemptible.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Morally disgusting or contemptible.
“It was a vile thing to say about a grieving family.”
repugnant
despicable
loathsome
nasty
foul
abhorrent
nauseating
nauseous
sickening
queasy
offensive
noisome
Opposites
2. adj
Extremely unpleasant to the senses; disgusting.
“The medicine had a vile, bitter taste.”
Opposites
How to use vile
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
vile smell
vile temper
vile behaviour
Etymology
From Old French vil, from Latin vilis, originally meaning "cheap" or "of low value" before it took on the sense of moral worthlessness.
Full origin of vile →Frequently asked questions
What does “vile” mean?
The word “vile” means morally disgusting or contemptible. In plain terms, disgusting — either morally repulsive or just horrible to taste, smell, or experience.
How do you pronounce “vile”?
“Vile” is pronounced vyl (/vaɪ(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “vile” in a sentence?
Here is “vile” used in a sentence: “It was a vile thing to say about a grieving family.”
What part of speech is “vile”?
“Vile” is an adjective.
Where does the word “vile” come from?
The word “vile” comes from Latin. From Old French vil, from Latin vilis, originally meaning "cheap" or "of low value" before it took on the sense of moral worthlessness.
Is “vile” a common word?
“Vile” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vile” have?
“Vile” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: morally disgusting or contemptible.
What is the difference between vile and evil?
Vile describes something morally disgusting or contemptible, or something extremely unpleasant to the senses, while evil more specifically refers to profound moral wrongness or wickedness. Vile can cover both moral repugnance and physical unpleasantness, such as a vile smell, whereas evil is used almost exclusively for moral wrongdoing.
Can vile describe things that aren't moral failings?
Yes, vile can also describe something extremely unpleasant to the senses, such as a vile smell or a vile taste, separate from its use for morally disgusting behavior.
What is an example of vile used to describe behavior?
Vile is often used to describe behavior or actions that are morally disgusting or contemptible, such as vile insults or a vile betrayal.
