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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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 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 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 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 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 The food court was a part of this iniquitous setup. Angella Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2022 Corporate America and conservatives consider the very idea of the government’s deciding what to fund and what not to fund iniquitous. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 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 And there's a broader drive in American culture to expose iniquitous power relations and reevaluate revered historical figures. Michelle Goldberg, Star Tribune, 21 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iniquitous
Adjective
  • The lawsuit will argue that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to enact tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China is unlawful.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The suit will argue that Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants the president increased powers during an economic emergency, to impose tariffs is unlawful and requires congressional approval.
    Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
  • While the practice of using haint blue to ward off evil spirits might not be as common, the color has bled into the mainstream, with major paint companies like Sherwin-Williams and PPG Industries, Inc selling paint inspired by the shade.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The royal palace is infested with evil spirits and one of them has taken hold of the young prince.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sammie’s father is right to be concerned, but wrong about the sinful nature of the blues—Sinners depicts musical talent as a divine blessing, a power that can pierce the veil between worlds, for good or for ill.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • April 20: Projections showed A Minecraft Movie remaining atop the box office this Easter weekend, but audiences actually felt more sinful than predicted.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This was a vicious weaponization of your government.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Shauna may be the vicious Antler Queen now, but Lottie also played a role in Mari’s death.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Fans, some of them little kids parroting what their parents were saying, called him vile names.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the famed Brothers Grimm tale, the story follows a princess who is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make Snow White part of their household after she’s exiled into a dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The offence O’Reilly’s draft day scouting reports suggested the Oilers chose a middle-six centre (second or third line) with wicked checking ability and enough offence to project into a feature role if everything worked out.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s tip: Niacinamide is a multitasker that blurs the look of dark spots, evens your skin tone, and balances your complexion.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And so by some sociologists, camp is thought to be this form of dark humor serving as a coping mechanism to historical marginalization.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Iniquitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iniquitous. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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