opprobrious

adjective

op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
Synonyms of opprobriousnext
1
: expressive of opprobrium : scurrilous
opprobrious language
2
: deserving of opprobrium : infamous
opprobriously adverb
opprobriousness noun

Examples of opprobrious in a Sentence

an opprobrious attack on the alleged corruption in the police department contends that visiting a brothel is the sort of opprobrious conduct for which a public official should be censured

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin opprobriōsus, from Latin opprobrium opprobrium + -ōsus -ose entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opprobrious was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Opprobrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opprobrious. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

opprobrious

adjective
op·​pro·​bri·​ous ə-ˈprō-brē-əs How to pronounce opprobrious (audio)
: expressing very strong disapproval
the opprobrious term "murderer"
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