How to Pronounce Nefarious

To pronounce "nefarious", say NEF-ar-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /nəˈfɛɹiəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

nefarious

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/nəˈfɛɹiəs/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/nəfˈeəɹɪəs/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “nefarious”

"nefarious" has 3 syllables: nef-ar-ious. It rhymes with precarious and gregarious, if that helps it stick.

What does nefarious mean?

adjective

Sinful, villainous, criminal, or wicked, especially when noteworthy or notorious for such characteristics.
“Aliens have a nefarious connotation in many science fiction books.”

Synonyms

evil good-for-nothing iniquitous sinister underhanded vile

Hear “nefarious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with nefarious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

precarious gregarious various vicarious carious scarious terreous hilarious ferreous aquarius marius

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "nefarious"?▾

"Nefarious" has 3 syllables: nef · ar · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "nefarious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "nefarious" is /nəˈfɛɹiəs/.

What does "nefarious" mean?▾

Nefarious: Sinful, villainous, criminal, or wicked, especially when noteworthy or notorious for such characteristics.

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