spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl 

: filled with or showing spite : malicious

spitefully

ˈspīt-fə-lē 

adverb

spitefulness noun

Synonyms of spiteful

• malicious
• cruel
• vicious
• hateful
• nasty

Examples of spiteful in a Sentence

the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyone has an acid tongue and brims with spiteful resentment. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 May 2026

That the spiteful man sees only as far as the spiteful man can, and that can produce a work of art that is successful, but maybe not ultimately great. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

However nasty and spiteful things get between the Butleys and the del Valles, there’s always the sense that a détente may still be possible. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

And Landman totally got the assignment and deftly plays a series of selfish, clueless and/or spiteful clods. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spiteful

• delightful
• insightful
• frightful
• rightful

Kids Definition

spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl 

: filled with or showing spite : malicious

spitefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

spitefulness noun