VICE Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'vice' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vice are crime , offense , scandal , and sin . While all these words mean "a transgression of law," vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts. // regarded gambling as a vice

Q: When would 'crime' be a good substitute for 'vice'?

The meanings of crime and vice largely overlap; however, crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state. // the crime of murder

Q: When is it sensible to use 'offense' instead of 'vice'?

While in some cases nearly identical to vice , offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code. // at that school no offense went unpunished

Q: When could 'scandal' be used to replace 'vice'?

The words scandal and vice can be used in similar contexts, but scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience. // a career ruined by a sex scandal

Q: In what contexts can 'sin' take the place of 'vice'?

In some situations, the words sin and vice are roughly equivalent. However, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law. // the sin of blasphemy

vice

noun

ˈvīs

Definition of vice

as in corruption

immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society that section of the city is legendary for crime and vice

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakness

a defect in character curiosity in children is not a vice, but something to be encouraged

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as in prostitution

the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money a seedy section of the city where vice is rampant and very much out in the open

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun vice contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vice are crime, offense, scandal, and sin. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

When would crime be a good substitute for vice?

The meanings of crime and vice largely overlap; however, crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When is it sensible to use offense instead of vice?

While in some cases nearly identical to vice, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

When could scandal be used to replace vice?

The words scandal and vice can be used in similar contexts, but scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

In what contexts can sin take the place of vice?

In some situations, the words sin and vice are roughly equivalent. However, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vice

Noun

The electoral authority based the candidate bans on a law against corrupt practices that in previous years saw some parliamentary seats bought with money linked to drug trafficking, corruption and tax evasion.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Seems like far too many appreciate this type of corruption, and making money on SM for lies, is precisely that.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of corruption

Noun

Furthermore, companies tend to have an easier time outperforming consensus sales growth estimates during periods of US dollar weakness.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
This helps nourish and protect hair from external aggressors like UV damage and pollution, which can cause weakness and buildup.

— Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Youssef alleged the property later became associated with gang activity, narcotics activity, prostitution and violence.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The June 19 raid of the EZ-8 Motel focused on three rooms that were allegedly rented out by operators of a prostitution ring.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

Definition of prostitution

Noun

Peter Gosselin Washington Moyn’s article and the accompanying cover photograph—showing old people as malevolent and evil—were not up to the usual standards of Harper’s Magazine.

— Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Using everything she’s learned from Jack Reacher and her time as a member of the 110 Special Investigators, Neagley puts herself on a dangerous path to uncover a menacing evil.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of evil

Noun

Youssef added that one of the biggest shortcomings in many squatter investigations is the lack of follow-up fact gathering.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Nilson Angulo’s strike was excellent and Gonzalo Plata’s winner, which will live long in the Ecuadorian memory, ensured Germany’s shortcomings were punished.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of shortcoming

Noun

Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%).

— Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026
That immorality takes on many forms across all aspects of society.

— Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Definition of immorality

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.

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“Vice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vice. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of vice

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Synonyms of vice

noun

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Vices and Virtues Quiz

'Vise' and 'Vice': (Mostly) Not the...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on vice

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Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

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The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

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Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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