villainous

adjective

vil·​lain·​ous ˈvi-lə-nəs How to pronounce villainous (audio)
Synonyms of villainousnext
1
a
: befitting a villain (as in evil or depraved character)
a villainous attack
b
: being or having the character of a villain : depraved
the villainous foe
2
: highly objectionable : wretched
villainously adverb
villainousness noun

Synonyms of villainous

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vicious, villainous, iniquitous, nefarious, corrupt, degenerate mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct.

vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

Examples of villainous in a Sentence

villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This dooms the kingdom to the tyrannical rule of the villainous Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), who swoops in and snatches the throne. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 23 June 2026 Johnny finds himself in ancient Rome, tasked with stopping a villainous time traveler determined to alter the course of history, per the book's synopsis. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 And while Popeye could never directly engage with his Sea Hag because his code of honor prevented him from striking a woman, no matter how villainous, Tom seems to have no such code. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 15 June 2026 However, critics argued that his remarks ultimately reinforced stereotypes that have long been attached to Black women in sports media by portraying Reese as a villainous figure. — Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for villainous

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of villainous was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

villainize
villainous
villainously
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Cite this Entry

“Villainous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/villainous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

villainous

adjective
vil·​lain·​ous ˈvil-ə-nəs How to pronounce villainous (audio)
1
: typical of a villain
villainous attacks
also : wicked
a villainous enemy
2
: very objectionable
villainous living conditions
villainously adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on villainous

Nglish: Translation of villainous for Spanish Speakers

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