VICE Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vice

noun

ˈvīs

Definition of vice

as in corruption

immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society that section of the city is legendary for crime and vice

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weakness

a defect in character curiosity in children is not a vice, but something to be encouraged

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

That committee adjourned without action, but Madigan was later convicted on corruption charges and is serving a 7 1/2-year federal prison sentence.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur, which won Cannes’ runner-up prize, the Grand Prix, explores personal, political and patriarchal corruption in contemporary Russia.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of corruption

Noun

And Japan’s use of the Fed’s Foreign and International Monetary Authorities Repo Facility is actually a sign of dollar strength rather than weakness.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Evidence points to much of the monthly weakness being related to the end of major events, including the World Cup and America 250.

— Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

Noun

Combs is serving a 50-month prison sentence for his conviction in July 2025 on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Combs, currently serving a 50-month prison sentence on prostitution charges, has frequently denied playing a part in Shakur’s death.

— Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of prostitution

Noun

Of the defendants, Cesar Morales was apportioned 60% of the fault, Arnold Morales 20% of the fault, Alvarez 5% of the fault and Harrison 15% of the fault.

— Jason Green, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
And yet, there’s a halo of chaos that surrounds Rhaenyra — an electric current of turmoil that’s too constant not to be her fault.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Noun

But for Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the local personalities pale in comparison to the evils lurking beneath the cursed island’s surface.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Venom dunking Who would win in a basketball game, Spider-Man or his evil doppelgänger Venom?

— Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of evil

Noun

While the Endangered Species Act has shortcomings, once these changes go into effect next month, even fewer protections will exist, Boyles said.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
This is a player that remains at the peak of his powers, and while Barça doesn’t have the shortcomings Real Madrid does in midfield following the departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, any team would be foolish to turn Rodri down.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortcoming

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

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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“Vice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vice. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of vice

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Synonyms of vice

noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on vice

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