opprobrious
Americanadjective
-
conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker.
opprobrious invectives.
- Synonyms:
- contemptuous, vituperative, abusive, reproachful
- Antonyms:
- laudatory
-
outrageously disgraceful or shameful.
opprobrious conduct.
- Synonyms:
- ignominious, dishonorable
- Antonyms:
- reputable
adjective
-
expressing scorn, disgrace, or contempt
-
shameful or infamous
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of opprobrious
1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin opprobriōsus, equivalent to Latin opprobri ( um ) opprobrium + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
Opprobrious is a heavy-duty word to describe something taunting or shameful. Opprobrious words criticize in a mean, hurtful way. Opprobrious comes from the Latin opprobare which means "to reproach or taunt." If someone is being opprobrious, she's being abusive and mean. Insults are opprobrious, while constructive criticism is not. No one wants to be treated in an opprobrious way. We can also use this word for bad behavior that causes shame — someone cheating on a test is opprobrious. Opprobrious actions are disgraceful, ignominious, and inglorious.
Vocabulary lists containing opprobrious
"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane
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Paradise Lost
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Oliver Twist
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Opprobrious epithets were hurled at the wandering merchant as he paraded the streets and alleys—epithets which were in no small degree justified by the clammy and clay-like appearance of his goods.
From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 15, August, 1851 by Various
Opprobrious epithets were bandied about, resistance even to the death threatened; meetings of the populace disturbed the quiet order of the country; except in war, how could all this end?
From The Last Man by Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft
Opprobrious names are not arguments; and imputations of motives and character are not facts, and are usually resorted to for want of them.
From The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2. From 1620-1816 by Ryerson, Egerton
Then yet again Melantho with rude speech Opprobrious, thus, assail’d Ulysses’ ear.
From The Odyssey of Homer by Cowper, William
But though from violence, yet not from words275 Abstained Achilles, but with bitter taunt Opprobrious, his antagonist reproached.
From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by Cowper, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
