malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt 
1
: tending to produce death or deterioration
malignant malaria
2
a
: 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
malignantly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of malignant in a Sentence
a highly malignant form of cancer
a powerful and malignant influence
Recent Examples on the Web
In May of this year, Fujimori announced he had been diagnosed with a malignant tumor.
—
Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024
If performance enhancing drugs will improve their lucidity, their ability to solve problems, and in one of the candidate’s cases, improve their truthfulness, morality and malignant narcissism, then suppository away.
—Peter White, Deadline, 27 June 2024
Fujimori had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a new malignant tumor in May.
—Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 12 Sep. 2024
It's thought that this could affect people who already have cancer (malignant tumors).
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for malignant 
Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024
If performance enhancing drugs will improve their lucidity, their ability to solve problems, and in one of the candidate’s cases, improve their truthfulness, morality and malignant narcissism, then suppository away.
—Peter White, Deadline, 27 June 2024
Fujimori had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a new malignant tumor in May.
—Lauren Said-Moorhouse, CNN, 12 Sep. 2024
It's thought that this could affect people who already have cancer (malignant tumors).
—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for malignant
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malignant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near malignant
Cite this Entry
“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignant. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt
1
: evil in influence or effect : injurious
3
: tending to produce death
malignant tumors
malignantly
adverb
Medical Definition
malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share