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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective sordid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of sordid are abject, ignoble, and mean. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

Where would abject be a reasonable alternative to sordid?

While in some cases nearly identical to sordid, abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than sordid?

The synonyms ignoble and sordid are sometimes interchangeable, but ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When can mean be used instead of sordid?

The words mean and sordid can be used in similar contexts, but mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sordid But the reports do not contain any of the more sordid details that Webb hasn’t hesitated to share publicly — claims that could damage her credibility in the eyes of some observers. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 This sordid spectacle has sparked in millions of people—in the United States and around the world—some serious Schadenfrudy, or pleasure derived from Rudy Giuliani's misfortunes. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 However, history has proven that male rappers can still thrive despite the most sordid allegations. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 The two have a sordid mission to coordinate, but first Mullins reflects on the good old days, namely 9/11 and George W. Bush. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sordid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
  • Aurangzeb imprisoned his ailing father in 1658 and defeated his brother the year after, before forcibly parading him in chains on a filthy elephant on the streets of Delhi.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The network has ordered Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service, which will see the celebrity chef go undercover to rescue America’s filthiest restaurants.
    Peter White, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Snow White gets a much more meaningful backstory The original Disney film begins with a few short sentences about how Snow White was forced to work as a scullery maid for her vile stepmother, the Queen.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Newsweek's efforts to politicize the death of these individuals, including the reporter's request to confirm names and locations of death, are vile.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On the outskirts of Lima, Peru, locals stumbled upon some dusty items in a vacant lot.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Andrea Taylor, owner of Andrea Marino Design in Dallas, Texas, has noticed an uptick in mauve, dusty blue, and butter yellow fabrics.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to this article Surrounded by coal miners, President Donald Trump signed an executive order vowing to roll back his predecessor’s policies limiting lung-damaging, climate-changing pollution from power plants that burn the planet’s dirtiest source of energy.
    Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The floors are getting dirty and workers have no access to vacuums or mops.
    Lisa Song, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Ukrainian marine corps’ 34th, 39th and 40th Coastal Defense Brigades—new units largely equipped with light vehicles that are suitable for operations on muddy terrain—anchor Ukrainian defenses in Kherson.
    David Axe, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ask any gardener: Gardening shoes are a must for messy, wet, or muddy tasks in flower beds, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, or anywhere else your everyday shoes don’t stand a chance.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Switching out a pump in a pit filled with raw sewage is nasty work.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The bear is back and things may stay nasty for the rest of 2025.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2022
  • There are no glamorous furnishings — just a French window, its blackened panes suggesting the dark of night.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2022
Adjective
  • Regardless of what transpired between the two cast members, on or off screen, Aspen was unfairly portrayed as an immoral character.
    Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
  • We are limited to enforcing the law, not policing immoral behavior.
    David Chiu, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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