Definition of iniquitousnext
as in unlawful
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable zero tolerance at the academy for cheating and other iniquitous practices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective iniquitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of iniquitous are corrupt, degenerate, nefarious, vicious, and villainous. While all these words mean "highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct," iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness.

an iniquitous system of taxation

In what contexts can corrupt take the place of iniquitous?

While the synonyms corrupt and iniquitous are close in meaning, corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.

city hall was rife with corrupt politicians

When could degenerate be used to replace iniquitous?

In some situations, the words degenerate and iniquitous are roughly equivalent. However, degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.

a degenerate regime propped up by foreign powers

When can nefarious be used instead of iniquitous?

The synonyms nefarious and iniquitous are sometimes interchangeable, but nefarious suggests flagrant breaching of time-honored laws and traditions of conduct.

the nefarious rackets of organized crime

When might vicious be a better fit than iniquitous?

While in some cases nearly identical to iniquitous, vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.

a vicious gangster

Where would villainous be a reasonable alternative to iniquitous?

The words villainous and iniquitous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic.

a villainous assault

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of iniquitous Our community is small, and when someone like Scott comes along, we are comforted and start growing confidence that perhaps the city administration will look back at the iniquitous history that left us landless in our own homeland. Richard B. Williams, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 That morning, on the day of his exam, looking up at the stone façades, Gabriel suddenly realized that this was a place that existed not despite but because of the iniquitous history exhibited here. Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 The food court was a part of this iniquitous setup. Angella Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2022 When those writing about cyber-security and cyber-hacking do so irresponsibly, attempting merely to fan the flames of angst, there is no question that such shoddy and perhaps even iniquitous efforts are sad, hurtful, and do not advance sensibly the battle between cyber-security and cyber-hacking. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 14 June 2021 Similar makeovers have been undertaken on behalf of such iniquitous figures as Blackbeard, Henry VIII, Robespierre and the Marquis de Sade. Joe Queenan, WSJ, 10 June 2021 Palestinian leaders rejected the 1947 UN Partition Plan for its iniquitous terms, but then accepted partition on significantly less advantageous terms in 1988. Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for iniquitous
Adjective
  • Jazzlyn Johnson, a spokesperson for Johnson, said in an email that Sanchez-Munoz had been charged with one count of second-degree felony murder, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon and five counts of armed criminal action.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • The policies Goode violated include unlawful harassment discrimination policy, professional conduct, code of conduct and mobile data access.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is so much evil and suffering in the world, so much conniving and malicious intent, and the self is, at least, a familiar foe.
    Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • When the monsters reveal an evil agenda that goes beyond becoming movie stars, the Minions are forced to battle them to save the world.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Critics also have challenged the report’s characterization of cases involving women, contending these were consensual affairs that were sinful but not abusive.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 June 2026
  • Naim and his overly anxious single mom (Mia Wasikowska) attend rote church services in which the pastor looks to exorcise the LGBTQ+ from sinful boys who like boys and girls who like girls.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • This vicious machine chewed him up and spit him out in predictable fashion.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • The mood changed a bit when Tab Ramos took a vicious elbow to the side of his head and fractured his skull.
    Gabriel Sama, Mercury News, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
  • That person is referring to heavyweight Josh Hokit, who is facing widespread backlash for making a vile joke about former first lady Michelle Obama after winning his match over Derrick Lewis.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • But even the most perfect Constitution can be undone by the wicked with the help of the bought, the stupid, and the cowardly.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Because my gut feeling tells me another round of wicked winds this way comes.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The top-of-the-line chef’s kitchen sports metallic cabinetry paired with dark marble countertops and backsplashes.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 June 2026
  • These include rolled or folded leaf blades, a dark or blue tinge to the foliage, or lingering footprints after walking on the lawn.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Iniquitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/iniquitous. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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