Synonyms for Vicious
Definition of vicious
adjective
- (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering; "a barbarous crime"; "brutal beatings"; "cruel tortures"; "Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks"; "a savage slap"; "vicious kicks"
- having the nature of vice
- bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure; "a criminal waste of talent"; "a deplorable act of violence"; "adultery is as reprehensible for a husband as for a wife"
14 synonyms found
Writing tips for "vicious"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like barbarous, brutal, cruel can replace "vicious" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 14 alternatives available, "vicious" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Vicious" in song lyrics
See how vicious is used in real songs:
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"That's pulled upon mics in rap, I'm just vicious"
1.4.0. Productions f/ Chapel, Livewire, Wise — Da Block is Hot -
"Audio, it's too militious, call it vicious"
Afu-Ra — Defeat -
"I drool and starin' at you, and I'm lookin' vicious"
Akwid f/ Chino XL, Kuky — Ombligo a Ombligo (Bad Girl) (Remix)