malignant

adjective

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Definition of malignant

1 : tending to produce death or deterioration malignant malaria especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally a malignant tumor

2a : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious a powerful and malignant influence

b : passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious the malignant tongues of gossipers

c obsolete : malcontent, disaffected

Other Words from malignant Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing malignant Learn More About malignant

Examples of malignant in a Sentence

a highly malignant form of cancer a powerful and malignant influence

Recent Examples on the Web This time, doctors found a malignant tumor near Brown's pancreas. — Jeff Potrykus, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2022 The tumor was a very rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 27 Apr. 2022 Brown, who twice was diagnosed with cancer, most recently in 2020 when a malignant tumor was detected near his pancreas, spent recent weeks in hospice care, the Star-Telegram reported. — NBC News, 11 Apr. 2022 This time, doctors found a malignant tumor near Brown's pancreas. — Jeff Potrykus, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2022 Zen's health troubles began shortly after his birth when doctors found a malignant tumor and a buildup of fluid inside his head that required surgical intervention. — Hattie Lindert, PEOPLE.com, 18 Apr. 2022 This time, doctors found a malignant tumor near Brown's pancreas. — Jeff Potrykus, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2022 This time, doctors found a malignant tumor near Brown's pancreas. — Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2022 After examining the canine, the San Diego Humane Society veterinary team diagnosed Phoenix with TVT (Transmissible Venereal Tumor), a malignant cancerous tumor. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE.com, 4 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malignant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near malignant

malignancy

malignant

malignant catarrh

Statistics for malignant

Last Updated

16 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignant. Accessed 21 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for malignant

malignant

adjective

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Kids Definition of malignant

1 : malicious

2 : likely to cause death : deadly

malignant

adjective

ma·lig·nant | \ mə-ˈlig-nənt

Medical Definition of malignant

1 : tending to produce death or deterioration malignant malaria especially : tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally malignant tumors — compare benign sense 1

2 : of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment psychotic reactions with a malignant trend