as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable
villainous behavior that made him one of the most notorious figures in history and gave rise to the legend of Dracula
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Recent Examples of villainous
In late June, Christopher McDonald — who reprises his villainous, yet fan-favorite role as Shooter McGavin in the sequel film — praised the NFL star for his on-camera work.
—
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 24 July 2025
In the Rebels series finale, Jedi Ezra Bridger (voiced by Taylor Gray) and the villainous Grand Admiral Thrawn (Ahsoka‘s Lars Mikkelsen) were whisked away into deep space by star whales and had been missing for years.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 July 2025
In came Hollywood Hogan, the villainous leader of the New World Order.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 24 July 2025
That’s when The Last of Us star opened up about his preferences for facial hair when appearing onscreen after seeing himself clean-shaven as the villainous Maxwell Lord in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984, starring Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for villainous
Skyler Caruso, People.com, 24 July 2025
In the Rebels series finale, Jedi Ezra Bridger (voiced by Taylor Gray) and the villainous Grand Admiral Thrawn (Ahsoka‘s Lars Mikkelsen) were whisked away into deep space by star whales and had been missing for years.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 24 July 2025
In came Hollywood Hogan, the villainous leader of the New World Order.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 24 July 2025
That’s when The Last of Us star opened up about his preferences for facial hair when appearing onscreen after seeing himself clean-shaven as the villainous Maxwell Lord in 2020’s Wonder Woman 1984, starring Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for villainous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for villainous
Adjective
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From the twins and their parents to evil fiancées and housekeepers, the characters have gained a cult following since their release, with some fans using them as inspiration for their outfits, summer mood boards, and interior design.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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Historically, antisemitic conspiracy theories have revolved around the idea that a shadowy and evil Jewish elite secretly controls the world, and ritualistic child abuse is a common trope within them.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Basically, how others will judge you for moving on, if you’ll be seen as incompetent or immoral for quitting.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
20 July 2025
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With his opaque history and sources of wealth, his super-powerful friends and his immoral appetites, Epstein became the perfect avatar for our at-home Hollywood heroism.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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First, opponents argued that the rule was unlawful and that Congress would need to amend the statute to implement the changes proposed by DHS in its rule.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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He was arrested at 12:22 a.m. Friday for misdemeanor unlawful speeding and driving under the influence, a first-degree misdemeanor.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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Growing up in rural Tennessee, my grandfather learned that certain activities — card playing, smoking, imbibing — were sinful.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 July 2025
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The therapy was the most spiritual, calming and sinful experience of Ingrid’s life.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Over time, this can create a vicious cycle where poor sleep and chronic anxiety feed into each other, creating a loop that damages your well-being.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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There was a scary moment later in the third quarter when Charlotte’s James Banks III hit Sacramento’s Dylan Cardwell with a vicious elbow to the face.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Arriving in London, Jess has a chance encounter with Felix (Will Sharpe), a broke musician, in a particularly vile pub toilet.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
17 July 2025
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The tweets, a vile departure from Elmo’s often inspiring and motivational social media cadence, were sent on July 13 and promptly taken down.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, a text grappling with a wicked problem shouldn’t stay limited by the narrow confines of literary genre, instead blending journalism, memoir, fiction, and narrative nonfiction.—
Melody Glenn
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
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Stinging and 'wicked' Asian needle ants are spreading across the US Are invasive tawny crazy ants in Ohio?—
Kim Luciani,
The Enquirer,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Transformed into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart, Odette and Siegfried's love faces an impossible battle against dark forces.—
Maggie Menderski,
The Courier-Journal,
22 July 2025
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Marvel tried to repeat this in May with Thunderbolts* which had a similarly dark theme.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Villainous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/villainous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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