nefarious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- nefariously adverb
- nefariousness noun
- unnefarious adjective
- unnefariously adverb
- unnefariousness noun
Etymology
Origin of nefarious
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin nefārius “wicked, vile,” equivalent to nefās “offense against divine or moral law” (from ne-, negative prefix + fās “law, right”) + -ius -ious
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.
Like his lesser satellites, over the years Tom-Carl had assumed an ill-fitting air of respectability and did not care to be reminded of his nefarious beginnings.
From Literature
Words like: viscous, impunity, paroxysm, unctuous, nefarious, onanistic, perfidious, lugubrious.
From Literature
“In my defense, I thought you were here because you knew about our parents’ nefarious plan too.”
From Literature
"Before the nefarious Dr. Loofah puts the microchip in his back!" barks Scruffy.
From Literature
These two methods are when one becomes prince through some wicked and nefarious means; or when a private citizen becomes prince of his native city through the favour of his fellow citizens.
From Literature
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.
