1
as in filthy
not clean
he managed to rise above the sordid streets upon which he grew up
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
a sordid affair involving bribery and corruption in high places
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Recent Examples of sordid
But neither is the sordid flip side, the anti-myth that ought to gut any misguided hankering after a mid-century golden age.
—
Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
An unlicensed casino grows up to be a Baptist college, one that doesn’t shy away from its sordid past, as Christ himself never shied away from a sinner.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
This sordid saga is a rogue boomerang.
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025
The American people deserve real answers on this sordid saga.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sordid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sordid
Adjective
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Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.—
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In other words, Cunha’s job is to convince the Americans now running the federal government to give Brown’s motley crew of gender-benders, anti-Semites and filthy-rich legacies a good leaving alone.—
Adjective
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Players have faced vile fan reactions and even death threats for their failure to satisfy bettors in the moment.—
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The Minnesota Vikings condemned the vile racist message defensive back Isaiah Rodgers received following the team’s 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.—
Adjective
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These chambers mimic Mars’ low-pressure atmosphere, dry conditions, and dusty surface.—
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Don’t sit at home getting dusty.—
Adjective
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The checklist for cleaning the kitchen was probably just washing dirty dishes, wiping down countertops, and mopping the floors.—
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Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.—
Adjective
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The boots have deep, high-traction treads that grip muddy ground, mixed terrain, and even ice.—
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So kids and adults alike can take a quick bathroom break without having to tramp through the interior, getting back to the outdoor activities of the day without peeling off muddy boots or clothes.—
Adjective
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The growth of passive investing, through index funds found in the 401(k) accounts of average Americans, has propped up the stock market while also potentially setting it up for a nasty fall.—
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Instead of this stuff that's raised overseas that's done in ways that doesn't have any checks, that it's got polluted water, it's being fed really nasty stuff, full of antibiotics, full of chemicals.—
Adjective
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The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.—
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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.—
Adjective
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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.—
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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).—
Cite this Entry
“Sordid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sordid. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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