rottenness

noun

as in vileness

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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 rottenness What Burnside aspires toward instead is an expression of the place’s spiritual core, some evocation of a regionally specific truth that might explain the percolating rottenness. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Returning to the director’s chair 11 years after drug-cartel drama 600 Miles, Gabriel Ripstein keeps things zipping along in an entertaining satire which, once again, highlights the rottenness at international football’s core. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Couples break up for an infinite number of reasons, few of which boil down to one partner’s irredeemable rottenness. — Judy Berman, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rottenness
  1. vileness
  2. sinfulness
  3. wickedness
  4. meanness
  5. villainy
  6. wretchedness
  7. rascality
  8. criminality
Noun
  • Many have used numbers and moral philosophy to fathom the vileness of slavery in America, for example.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of vileness
Noun
  • But soon after, in Genesis 18, God tells Abraham of plans to investigate reports of sinfulness in Sodom and Gomorrah.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Denver author Josiah Hesse was raised by Evangelical parents in churches that believe in the torments of hell, that their poverty is due to their sinfulness and lack of faith.
    — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of sinfulness
Noun
  • Cathy’s treatment of Adam isn’t rooted in innate wickedness, as in Steinbeck’s novel, but personal experience.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hartnett brings none of the wickedness that made his performance in Trap so much fun, just coming across as flat onscreen even as his character has to navigate some wild turns.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wickedness
Noun
  • Don’t give in to that meanness, and that false belief in scarcity.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Amid so much belabored meanness, meager appeals to conscience scan more like self-conscious obligation, easily subsumed by impotence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of meanness
Noun
  • The duo engage in a sword fight while Atreides’ villainy is exposed.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2026
  • On any other man, this level of villainy could be mustache-twirling and cartoonish.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Definition of villainy
Noun
  • As our cantankerous lead, Molina harumphs lovably from scene to scene, conveying both his character’s indomitable will and the wretchedness of his grief.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
  • Director Penny Lane interviews jazz critics who howl at his wretchedness, then balances it with fans who simply don’t care.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of wretchedness
Noun
  • Still, the pure rascality in these extravagant self-inventions shouldn’t be overlooked.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Definition of rascality
Noun
  • Van Houten ultimately determined the allegations did not warrant charges because of a lack of criminality.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Madlanga Commission, a judicial inquiry set up after a senior police commander alleged last year that criminality and political interference had penetrated the justice system, has now sat for more than 180 days.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of criminality

Browse Nearby Words

rottenly
rottenness
rotter
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Cite this Entry

“Rottenness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rottenness. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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