PERVERSION Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

perversion

noun

pər-ˈvər-zhən

Definition of perversion

as in degradation

a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior claimed that rap and rock music were responsible for the perversion of the nation's young people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in misuse

incorrect or improper use if there's a hidden charge for the service, then that's a perversion of the word "free"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 perversion This garish cavalcade of perversions, which just premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, should have been shocking and transgressive; the pieces are certainly there. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2026 According to Jackson, that is a perversion of the law. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Those who place responsibility on individuals and employers saw the ACA as perversion of the government’s purpose. — Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 While the bad clown—a horror staple—might seem like a perversion of a wholesome form of entertainment historically meant for children, the clown in popular culture has always been subversive. — Time, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perversion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perversion

Noun

The species’ coastal habitats, such as mangroves and reefs, have also suffered loss and degradation due to urban development and climate change.

— Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
There is no warping, no heat distortion and no structural degradation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of degradation

Noun

Democrats avoid division The Democrats’ corruption talk of 2026 checks all of these boxes.

— Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
The limited testimony that led to the grand jury’s decision not to bring criminal charges reveals a larger culture of secrecy and corruption in Tallahassee, said José Javier Rodríguez, the Democrat running to unseat Uthmeier in November.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of corruption

Noun

Hisbah members also face widespread allegations of rights abuses in their enforcement operations, including subjecting offenders to dehumanizing punishments such as public beatings or shaming.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
An autopsy identified multiple injuries, and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office ultimately determined that his death was caused by injuries resulting from child abuse and classified the death as a homicide, the news release said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of abuse

Browse Nearby Words

perverseness

perversion

perversions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Perversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perversion. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of perversion

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes