perversion

noun

pər-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce perversion (audio)
Definition of perversionnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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"

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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
  1. degradation
  2. misuse
  3. corruption
  4. abuse
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
  • Thirteen days before Morissette’s lawsuit, Urinov filed her own claim against the singer in London’s King Bench Division, which handles cases of defamation, misuse of private information, data protection, and harassment by publication.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Flock Safety announced some changes to its policies in mid-August after reports of misuse, including requiring officers to enter specific codes.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of misuse
Noun
  • The two candidates have gone head-to-head in recent weeks over support of police and plans to fight corruption in what’s sure to be one of the top races to watch this fall.
    — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The alleged corruption occurred between 2019-24 while Hédouville headed the Office of Citizen Protection, the government agency charged with safeguarding human rights.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Perversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perversion. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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