SCURVY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'scurvy' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of scurvy are contemptible , despicable , pitiable , and sorry . While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust. // a scurvy crew of hangers-on

Q: When might 'contemptible' be a better fit than 'scurvy'?

The synonyms contemptible and scurvy are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values. // a contemptible liar

Q: When can 'despicable' be used instead of 'scurvy'?

The words despicable and scurvy can be used in similar contexts, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation. // a despicable crime

Q: When would 'pitiable' be a good substitute for 'scurvy'?

The words pitiable and scurvy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity. // a pitiable attempt at tragedy

Q: When could 'sorry' be used to replace 'scurvy'?

In some situations, the words sorry and scurvy are roughly equivalent. However, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness. // this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

scurvy

adjective

Definition of scurvy next

as in lame

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust after winning the lottery, she was beset by a whole scurvy swarm of con artists, ne'er-do-wells, and hangers-on

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word scurvy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of scurvy are contemptible, despicable, pitiable, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might contemptible be a better fit than scurvy?

The synonyms contemptible and scurvy are sometimes interchangeable, but contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When can despicable be used instead of scurvy?

The words despicable and scurvy can be used in similar contexts, but despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for scurvy?

The words pitiable and scurvy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

When could sorry be used to replace scurvy?

In some situations, the words sorry and scurvy are roughly equivalent. However, sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Examples 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 scurvy The squadron immediately ran into trouble when typhus and then scurvy, a grotesque disease of Vitamin C deficiency, struck down the majority of the crew. —

Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023 In the ancient world, would-be surgeons sometimes used primitive drills or saws on people, and even a child, with brain traumas, scurvy or intracranial infection, sometimes killing them. —

Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2023 The marooned adventurers endured unfathomable suffering, ranging from extreme cold to endless nights to hideous diseases such as scurvy, a vitamin-C deficiency that rots the flesh and teeth, swells the limbs, causes excruciating pain, and if left untreated usually results in death. —

Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Aug. 2021 What exactly is scurvy? —

Leah Groth, Health.com, 20 Aug. 2020 See all Example Sentences for scurvy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scurvy

Adjective

As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.

Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.

Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020