Nefarious

WORD OF THE DAY

nefarious / adjective / nih-FAIR-ee-us

Definition
1: flagrantly wicked or impious
2: evil

Examples
"Evil Dave's Grill. The name of this grill isn't a nod to anyone nefarious; it's a cheeky reference to the wicked dishes on its dinner-only menu."
— Claudia Laroye, The Toronto Star, 1 Apr. 2022

Moreover, those starry-eyed states inclined to perceive international relations in moral terms frequently underestimate the nefarious machinations of their competitors on the world political stage.
— Richard Wolin, New Republic, 4 June 2001

Did You Know?
Nefarious comes from the Latin adjective nefarius and the Latin noun nefas, which means "crime."
Nefas is a combination of ne- ("not") and fas, meaning "right" or "divine law."

There are many synonyms for nefarious, and all mean highly reprehensible or offensive in character, nature, or conduct.
Vicious may directly oppose virtuous in implying moral depravity, or may connote malignancy, cruelty, or destructive violence.  
Villainous applies to any evil, depraved, or vile conduct or characteristic. 
Iniquitous implies absence of all signs of justice or fairness. 
Corrupt stresses a loss of moral integrity or probity causing betrayal of principle or sworn obligations.  
Degenerate suggests having sunk to an especially vicious or enervated condition.