spiteful

spite·ful

adjective \ˈspīt-fəl\

Definition of SPITEFUL

: filled with or showing spite : malicious

— spite·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— spite·ful·ness noun

Examples of SPITEFUL

1. <the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile>

First Known Use of SPITEFUL

15th century

Related to SPITEFUL

Synonyms

bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, hateful, vicious, virulent

Antonyms

benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words

devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike; acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic; contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving; baleful, baneful, evil; harsh, hostile, inimical; acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous

Near Antonyms

compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted; affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant; affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted; humane; altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic (also philanthropical)

Rhymes with SPITEFUL

frightful, rightful, sprightful