villainous

vil·lain·ous

adj \-lə-nəs\

Definition of VILLAINOUS

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

— vil·lain·ous·ly adverb

— vil·lain·ous·ness noun

Examples of VILLAINOUS

1. <villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula>

First Known Use of VILLAINOUS

14th century

Related to VILLAINOUS

Synonyms: black, dark, evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unethical, unlawful, unrighteous, unsavory, vicious, vile, bad, wicked, wrong

Antonyms: decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, right, righteous, sublime, upright, virtuous

Related Words: base, contemptible, despicable, dirty, disreputable, evil-minded, ignoble, ill, infernal, low, mean, snide, sordid; atrocious, cruel, infamous, nasty; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, objectionable, obscene, offensive, reprehensible; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, libertine, loose, low-minded, perverted, reprobate, scrofulous, sick, unhealthy; cursed (also curst), cussed, defiling, noxious, pernicious, pestilential, ugly, ungodly, unwholesome; banned, barred, condemned, discouraged, forbidden, illegal, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, unauthorized, unclean; disallowed; execrable, lousy, miserable, wretched; errant, erring, fallen, unprincipled, unscrupulous; improper, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, naughty, unbecoming, unseemly, vulgar; dishonest, dishonorable

Near Antonyms: elevated, high, high-minded, law-abiding, legitimate, lofty, noble, principled, reputable, scrupulous; allowed, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported; clean, correct, decent, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly; blameless, commendable, creditable, guiltless, legitimate; chaste, immaculate, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, lily-white, perfect, pure, spotless, squeaky-clean, uncorrupted, unerring, unfallen, unobjectionable, venerable, white, wholesome; esteemed, respected, upstanding, worthy

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at vicious