ABJECT Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'abject' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble , mean , and sordid . While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility. // abject poverty

Q: When might 'ignoble' be a better fit than 'abject'?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit. // an ignoble scramble after material possessions

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mean' instead of 'abject'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject , mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity. // mean and petty satire

Q: When would 'sordid' be a good substitute for 'abject'?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness. // a sordid story of murder and revenge

abject

adjective

ˈab-ˌjekt

Definition of abject

as in humble

showing, expressing, or offered in a spirit of humility or unseemly submissiveness demanded nothing less than an abject apology from them

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How does the adjective abject differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abject are ignoble, mean, and sordid. While all these words mean "being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity," abject may imply degradation, debasement, or servility.

abject poverty

When might ignoble be a better fit than abject?

In some situations, the words ignoble and abject are roughly equivalent. However, ignoble suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit.

an ignoble scramble after material possessions

When is it sensible to use mean instead of abject?

While in some cases nearly identical to abject, mean suggests small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity.

mean and petty satire

When would sordid be a good substitute for abject?

Although the words sordid and abject have much in common, sordid is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and abjectness.

a sordid story of murder and revenge

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 abject The price for such an abject display is likely to have already been paid by the players. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 But one price for all, a concept conceived by the Quakers, who believed that charging different prices to different people was morally abject, became commonplace. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 He was born in abject poverty in rural Georgia, Pin Point, Georgia. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 People who once sought refuge now fear deportation to an island nation with abject poverty, little infrastructure and widespread criminal activity. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abject

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abject

Adjective

The 23-year-old Texas product, whom the Packers took in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, caught six passes from quarterback Jordan Love for a career-high 123 yards, including a 50-yard snag to help Green Bay humble the Bears.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The humble price tag has long served as a common measure of value for consumers.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of humble

Adjective

Moore plays Mona, a meek, thoroughly unseen wife and mother who impulsively decides to audition for a community theater musical despite having no experience.

— Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
The visitors were meek and the poorest performers of the four opponents, but how much of that is down to the way Leeds played?

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of meek

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a bit much

abject

abjection

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“Abject.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abject. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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