malevolence

noun

ma·​lev·​o·​lence mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce malevolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being malevolent
slander that arose from pure malevolence
2
: malevolent behavior
an era full of selfishness and malevolence
Choose the Right Synonym for malevolence

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress.

malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

Examples of malevolence in a Sentence

only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism
Recent Examples on the Web On an international level, too..., one country’s climate response can easily leave another country impoverished, either through neglect, foolishness or outright malevolence. Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 Esposito at least tries to have fun with some of Cicero’s malevolence, and Plaza tries vainly to strike an over-the-top tone that leans into the story's absurdity. EW.com, 12 Sep. 2024 But in doing so, writer-director James Watkins has swapped out malevolence for a tamer sense of misadventure. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 Original franchise star Ellen Burstyn returned as Chris MacNeil to face this malevolence. Nick Romano, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malevolence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malevolence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of malevolence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near malevolence

Cite this Entry

“Malevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malevolence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

malevolence

noun
ma·​lev·​o·​lence mə-ˈlev-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce malevolence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being malevolent
2
: malevolent behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on malevolence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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