sleaze

noun

ˈslēz How to pronounce sleaze (audio)
Definition of sleazenext
1
as in pervert
a person of low moral character some sleaze will try to make a buck off of this tragedy

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2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others a real sleaze who is constantly mooching off friends, and friends of friends

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cheese
that which is of low quality or worth the TV networks wouldn't be airing such sleaze if the public wasn't watching it

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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 sleaze In the last few years, a slew of secondhand trends have come and gone, from the Y2K renaissance, to an Indie sleaze’s revival (which never quite took off), to the recent burst of 1990s minimalism à la Calvin Klein and Prada. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 30 July 2026 In the first half of the album, Dean explores unstable characters—bearing some resemblance, perhaps, to their indie-sleaze peers—with both second-hand embarrassment and fascination. — Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026 Rodrigo’s other beloved trends, like vintage mod and indie sleaze, are also on the rise on the site. — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026 Like it or not, the mess of indie sleaze is back. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sleaze
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleaze
  1. pervert
  2. jerk
  3. cheese
  4. creep
  5. clown
  6. junk
  7. slimeball
  8. dog
Noun
  • Hansen, who left NBC in 2013 but remains a leader in the pervert-ambushing space, has spoken about having considered a sting operation against Jeffrey Epstein in 2015.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This blatant fealty over objectivity perverts the process by choosing personal loyalists instead of independent public servants.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pervert
Noun
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • This is also the place for breakfast – a generous buffet of pastries, eggs, fruit and cheese.
    — Siobhan Grogan, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Butter, mac and cheese and a sauce lacked common name of the foods.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheese
Noun
  • Our sensibilities may be able to cope with Willoughby as a cad, but not as—to put it generously—a creep.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The five-day return-to-office creep has been growing for several years.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of creep
Noun
  • When asked about his most Mary-like quality, Yang pointed to the duality of the clown.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jean pays tribute to the oversized trousers worn by rodeo clowns.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of clown
Noun
  • The room smelled of cigarettes and sweat; the floor was littered with clothes, junk-food wrappers, and empty packs of Gauloises.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The latest downgrade follows Fitch plunging the district’s bond rating to junk status in the spring.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of junk
Noun
  • Democrats want this slimeball as their 2028 presidential nominee.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • After spending a decade and a half in the brains of a meth kingpin and a slimeball attorney, Gilligan wanted his next protagonist to be a force for good.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Definition of slimeball
Noun
  • Which dog breeds tend to live the longest If longevity is the priority, a handful of smaller breeds routinely post the longest lifespans, according to breed data compiled by Reader’s Digest.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Much has been made of Winter’s idiosyncratic star power, and as an extremely tall, wet-dog-handsome instrumental virtuoso with a one-of-a-kind voice and just enough self-aware wit and lacerating lyricism to keep it relatable, that’s indisputable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dog

Browse Nearby Words

slays
sleaze
sleazebag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sleaze.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleaze. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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