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Definition of iniquitousnext
as in unlawful
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable zero tolerance at the academy for cheating and other iniquitous practices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective iniquitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of iniquitous are corrupt, degenerate, nefarious, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can corrupt take the place of iniquitous?

While the synonyms corrupt and iniquitous are close in meaning, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When could degenerate be used to replace iniquitous?

In some situations, the words degenerate and iniquitous are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When can nefarious be used instead of iniquitous?

The synonyms nefarious and iniquitous are sometimes interchangeable, but nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

When might vicious be a better fit than iniquitous?

While in some cases nearly identical to iniquitous, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

Where would villainous be a reasonable alternative to iniquitous?

The words villainous and iniquitous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

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 iniquitous Our community is small, and when someone like Scott comes along, we are comforted and start growing confidence that perhaps the city administration will look back at the iniquitous history that left us landless in our own homeland. Richard B. Williams, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 That morning, on the day of his exam, looking up at the stone façades, Gabriel suddenly realized that this was a place that existed not despite but because of the iniquitous history exhibited here. Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 The food court was a part of this iniquitous setup. Angella Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2022 When those writing about cyber-security and cyber-hacking do so irresponsibly, attempting merely to fan the flames of angst, there is no question that such shoddy and perhaps even iniquitous efforts are sad, hurtful, and do not advance sensibly the battle between cyber-security and cyber-hacking. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 14 June 2021 Similar makeovers have been undertaken on behalf of such iniquitous figures as Blackbeard, Henry VIII, Robespierre and the Marquis de Sade. Joe Queenan, WSJ, 10 June 2021 Palestinian leaders rejected the 1947 UN Partition Plan for its iniquitous terms, but then accepted partition on significantly less advantageous terms in 1988. Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iniquitous
Adjective
  • Troopers also seized an unregistered gun and ammunition from Cook, who is charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
    Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But once those moratoriums ended in 2023, unlawful detainers (a type of notice that can lead to eviction) doubled from June 2022 to June 2023.
    Saumya Roy, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to being immoral, CFA’s support for BDS likely violates state law, AB 2844, which prohibits California from contracting with entities that engage in discrimination, including against Jews or Israelis.
    Mark Pinkert, Oc Register, 23 Dec. 2025
  • The film follows the deliciously immoral, widowed Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale), who maneuvers, deceives and seduces her way through London and across her relatives' country estates in an effort to find a wealthy husband for herself and her daughter, Frederica (Morfydd Clark).
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Like terrestrial monsters, evil aliens are often stand-ins for real-life anxieties.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Thia was sent to this dread planet by the Weyland-Yutani corporation, the famously evil entity that haunts most of the Alien movies.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Gettin’ sinful all of a sudden.
    David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
  • Tantric cultural and spiritual traditions, which began to emerge in the early centuries of the Common Era, take a positive perspective on the material world in general and the human body in particular, as opposed to traditions that regard both as inherently illusory or sinful.
    Anya Foxen, The Conversation, 9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Officials charged Damon Leanord of Pleasanton, Kansas, with interference with law enforcement, having a vicious dog at large and criminal desecration of a body in Linn County and abandonment of a corpse charges in Bates County, Missouri, after finding the child’s body at the bottom of a creek bed.
    Sofi Zeman January 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
  • He was shocked in 2013 when he was struck by vicious bouts of vomiting.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Players have faced vile fan reactions and even death threats for their failure to satisfy bettors in the moment.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Park Chan-wook’s latest masterwork is a wicked comedy of capitalism and homicide.
    Ty Burr, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
  • So much so that a few of the most popular colorways sold out wicked fast.
    Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Don't feel afraid to play with bold (but dark) colors and various materials.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Open my soul to the vast dark places.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Iniquitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iniquitous. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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