vice

Definition of vicenext
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as in prostitution
the practice of engaging in sexual activities for money a seedy section of the city where vice is rampant and very much out in the open

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun vice contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vice are crime, offense, scandal, and sin. While all these words mean "a transgression of law," vice applies to a habit or practice that degrades or corrupts.

regarded gambling as a vice

When would crime be a good substitute for vice?

The meanings of crime and vice largely overlap; however, crime implies a serious offense punishable by the law of the state.

the crime of murder

When is it sensible to use offense instead of vice?

While in some cases nearly identical to vice, offense applies to the infraction of any law, rule, or code.

at that school no offense went unpunished

When could scandal be used to replace vice?

The words scandal and vice can be used in similar contexts, but scandal applies to an offense that outrages the public conscience.

a career ruined by a sex scandal

In what contexts can sin take the place of vice?

In some situations, the words sin and vice are roughly equivalent. However, sin implies an offense against moral or religious law.

the sin of blasphemy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vice
Noun
  • The electoral authority based the candidate bans on a law against corrupt practices that in previous years saw some parliamentary seats bought with money linked to drug trafficking, corruption and tax evasion.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • Seems like far too many appreciate this type of corruption, and making money on SM for lies, is precisely that.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • The weakness that began in technology stocks spread through Asia and Europe on Tuesday, while precious metals also came under pressure as investors reassessed the path of interest rates.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 24 June 2026
  • When the complex was being constructed, there were deviations from the building’s original design, contributing to structural weaknesses, the report said.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Within months, Mintz pleaded no contest to conspiracy to maintain a house of prostitution and two counts of state income tax evasion.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Combs has been incarcerated since his September 2024 arrest and is serving a 50-month prison sentence for his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The angels, still in disguise as men, inform Lot that the city will be destroyed as punishment for its sins.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Solidaridad sin Fronteras has 58,000 health professionals among its members.
    Sarah Moreno July 1, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Small accidents, although no fault of your own, may cause this.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2026
  • Through no fault of her own, Clark has become part of the culture war.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Peter Gosselin Washington Moyn’s article and the accompanying cover photograph—showing old people as malevolent and evil—were not up to the usual standards of Harper’s Magazine.
    Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Using everything she’s learned from Jack Reacher and her time as a member of the 110 Special Investigators, Neagley puts herself on a dangerous path to uncover a menacing evil.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Before the earthquakes, the government generally defended its national health system as robust, blaming shortcomings on sanctions imposed by the United States.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • The German team opened the 2026 tournament with a 7–1 win over debutant Curaçao, but an unconvincing performance in a 2–1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire exposed the team’s shortcomings.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Independents said the worst thing about Republicans was their loyalty to Trump (10%), perceptions of corruption and self-enrichment (8%), dishonesty, hypocrisy or immorality (7%), a lack of concern for ordinary people or cruelty (6%), and ineffective and weak or unqualified leadership (5%).
    Emily Guskin, ABC News, 27 May 2026
  • That immorality takes on many forms across all aspects of society.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Vice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vice. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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