vengeful

adjective

venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl 

: revengeful: such as

a

: seeking to avenge

b

: serving to gain vengeance

vengefully

ˈvenj-fə-lē 

adverb

vengefulness noun

Synonyms of vengeful

• vindictive
• revengeful
• cruel
• vicious
• malicious
• hateful
• hostile
• petty

Examples of vengeful in a Sentence

The robbery was committed by a vengeful former employee.

The fire was a vengeful act of destruction.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a decapitated Louis (Jacob Anderson) came face-to-face with a vengeful Armand (Assad Zaman) — who really wanted an apology from his former lover — Lestat hung out in a bowling bag. — Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 20 July 2026

The problem may be human error or bad luck, not a vengeful god. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026

As rumours build of a vengeful Thai forest spirit a mysterious young woman appears. — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026

The attempts to save Platner in the high stakes campaign to defeat Republican incumbent Susan Collins involved portraying Platner’s accusers, women, as vengeful liars. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

venge + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vengeful

• revengeful

Kids Definition

vengeful

adjective

venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl 

: wanting revenge

vengefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

vengefulness noun