as wicked as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as wicked as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make comparisons, typically to describe someone or something that is very bad or morally wrong. Example: "He was as wicked as the villain in the story, showing no remorse for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Marseille isn't as wicked as it used to be.

The Guardian

But only decaffeinated". For the Natural Nurse that is as wicked as it gets.

The New York Times

Was she, in point of fairytale fact, quite as wicked as all that?

The Guardian - Film

She joined Rada in 1950, the same year as Joe Orton ("as wicked as can be").

The Guardian

"Soft power" in their hands becomes a devil's trick, as wicked as the brutal control exercised by the men.

Independent

"Look at me, Master Knox! Can you believe in your heart I'm as wicked as you say?" she asks him.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Are we twice as wicked now as then?

The Guardian

Householders continue to see plastic as wicked and paper-based goods as benign.

The Guardian

Yet the roads that are foreign development's proudest boasts also serve to meet the insurgents' and drug-dealers' logistical needs.That is inevitable: infrastructure serves the wicked as well as the righteous.

The Economist

Compare his First Inaugural Address: 'And let us reflect that, having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions.

Cornell University

The weight, as well as wicked early fractions set by another lightweight -- Elite Mercedes with 112 pounds -- conspired against what was considered the best older horse in the nation.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as wicked as" to effectively compare the level of wickedness between two subjects, ensuring that the comparison is clear and impactful for the reader. For example, "His plan was as wicked as any dreamt up by a storybook villain."

Common error

Avoid using "as wicked as" in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or neutral expression might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "highly unethical" or "morally questionable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as wicked as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe someone or something that is extremely evil or morally corrupt, drawing a parallel between two entities based on their level of wickedness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as wicked as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to express that something is similarly evil or morally corrupt when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While its usage is versatile, ranging from news articles to books, it is essential to consider the context. While suitable for neutral or informal settings, more professional alternatives may be more fitting for formal contexts. To improve your writing, consider using it to make impactful comparisons, being careful not to overuse it in formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as evil as

Replaces "wicked" with a more direct synonym, "evil", maintaining the same comparative structure.

as malicious as

Substitutes "wicked" with "malicious", emphasizing harmful intent.

as nefarious as

Replaces "wicked" with "nefarious", suggesting extreme villainy and immorality.

as villainous as

Substitutes "wicked" with "villainous", highlighting characteristics of a villain.

as sinful as

Replaces "wicked" with "sinful", focusing on transgression against moral or religious principles.

as immoral as

Replaces "wicked" with "immoral", highlighting a lack of ethical principles.

as devilish as

Substitutes "wicked" with "devilish", suggesting mischievous or evil behavior.

as corrupt as

Replaces "wicked" with "corrupt", emphasizing moral decay or dishonesty.

as depraved as

Substitutes "wicked" with "depraved", highlighting moral corruption and perversion.

as heinous as

Replaces "wicked" with "heinous", emphasizing extreme wickedness or offensiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "as wicked as" in a sentence?

You can use "as wicked as" to compare the degree of wickedness between two things. For example, "The tyrant's reign was "as wicked as" any in history", showing a comparison between the tyrant's reign and other wicked periods.

What are some alternatives to "as wicked as"?

Alternatives to "as wicked as" include "as evil as", "as malicious as", or "as nefarious as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "as wicked as" and "as evil as"?

While "as wicked as" and "as evil as" are similar, "wicked" often implies a mischievous or playful malice, while "evil" suggests a deeper, more profound moral wrong. The choice depends on the specific context.

What kind of language register is appropriate for "as wicked as"?

"As wicked as" is generally suitable for informal to neutral contexts. In formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives that convey a similar meaning with a more serious or objective tone, such as "highly unethical" or "morally reprehensible".