vice

noun

ˈvīs How to pronounce vice (audio)
Definition of vicenext
1
as in corruption
immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society that section of the city is legendary for crime and vice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weakness
a defect in character curiosity in children is not a vice, but something to be encouraged

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
  1. corruption
  2. weakness
  3. prostitution
  4. sin
  5. fault
  6. evil
  7. shortcoming
  8. immorality
Noun
  • The film's themes of corruption and the brave whistleblowers who expose it feel particularly apt in this current moment.
    — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025
  • Hochul chose him after his predecessor, Benjamin Brian, resigned amid charges of corruption, which were eventually dropped.
    — Jared Gans, The Hill, 4 June 2025
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • And the weakness is extending to other travel industry forecasts, like hotels.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Potential symptoms include insomnia, muscle cramps, constipation, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, personality changes and heart arrhythmias, experts say.
    — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • The men face charges of solicitation of prostitution, a felony in Texas punishable with up two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
    — Sarah Bahari, Dallas News, 5 Apr. 2023
  • Street prostitution has been an issue on Capp Street in the Mission District for decades.
    — Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Feb. 2023
Definition of prostitution
Noun
  • Facing his inquisitors Ono dutifully confessed to, and publicly atoned for, all his past sins: His support of DEI, academic freedom, the First Amendment and more.
    — Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025
  • Will RuPaul's Drag Race justice finally be done to forgive the sins of the drag queens who committed the Great Betrayal of Nicole Paige Brooks From Atlanta, Ga.?
    — Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of sin
Noun
  • In his answer to the lawsuit, Walker contends that any liability for damages should be reduced or eliminated if it is revealed that Sevier failed to mitigate his damages and was negligent and/or comparatively at fault.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025
  • Our inability to pay attention is not just the smartphone’s fault.
    — Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Definition of fault
Noun
  • With a visual style influenced by European fantasy and shonen anime, the series promises high-stakes action and emotional resonance as its heroes confront an ancient evil.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 7 June 2025
  • Topics: Science & technology (24%), particularly good vs. evil, new technology, advanced science, and the workings of the universe.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Definition of evil
Noun
  • The Knicks’ new coach must find ways to maximize the Brunson-and-Towns duo’s strengths while hiding both of their shortcomings on the defensive end.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • Most of us root for the underdog, so the humility to admit to shortcomings, the generosity of spirit required to commend staff, and the courage to ask for support are more examples of how tapping into vulnerability can be a strength.
    — Dr. Ella F. Washington, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of shortcoming
Noun
  • Omari’s father, Hassan (J. Paul Nicholas), is the conservative Muslim governor of Mombasa, fond of attacking the immorality in nightclubs like the Moto Moto, where most of Goddess is set, though he’s withdrawn from his reelection campaign after an illness.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 May 2025
  • However, all Della can see is immorality between any two female brides, hurriedly making an excuse of being slammed by orders in six months.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Definition of immorality
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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vicars
vice
vice admiral
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Cite this Entry

“Vice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vice. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vice

Nglish: Translation of vice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vice

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