spite

noun

\ ˈspīt

Definition of spite

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart

2 : an instance of spite

in spite of

: in defiance or contempt of : without being prevented by succeeded in spite of their opposition

spite

verb

spited; spiting

Definition of spite (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : annoy, offend

b : to fill with spite

2 : to treat maliciously (as by shaming or thwarting)

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about spite

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Choose the Right Synonym for spite

Noun

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer. felt no malice toward their former enemies malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct. a look of dark malevolence ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration. ill will provoked by a careless remark spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments. petty insults inspired by spite malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness. a life consumed by motiveless malignity spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice. venting his spleen against politicians grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction. never one to harbor a grudge

Examples of spite in a Sentence

Noun

He is jealous and full of spite. spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Verb

He only did it to spite me. sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Most Read Local Stories In spite of increasingly dire finances, the board decided against selling any assets, according to board minutes acquired by The Seattle Times. — Glenn Nelson, The Seattle Times, "Battle for ‘soul’ of Seattle’s Japanese American community as Keiro Northwest nursing home closes," 16 Sep. 2019 In spite of this pristine 112-mile-long mountain refuge, the fish that have returned here to reproduce and then die for countless generations are in deep trouble. — Jim Robbins, New York Times, "How Long Before These Salmon Are Gone? ‘Maybe 20 Years’," 16 Sep. 2019 In spite of the pushback, the Amsterdam Museum is moving forward with its plans to make its halls more inclusive and more sensitive. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Why the Amsterdam Museum Will No Longer Use the Term ‘Dutch Golden Age’," 16 Sep. 2019 In spite of that, the school manages to be competitive across several sports. — Andrew Turner, Daily Pilot, "High School Female Athlete of the Week: Piper Naess powers Laguna Beach volleyball up the CIF poll," 13 Sep. 2019 The sun rises and sets on Adam, in spite of failure after failure. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Enabling mom creates extreme family imbalance," 12 Sep. 2019 The sun rises and sets on Adam, in spite of failure after failure. — Amy Dickinson, The Denver Post, "Ask Amy: Enabling mom creates extreme family imbalance," 12 Sep. 2019 In spite of the standoff with Iran, oil prices have stumbled in recent months due to concerns about weak demand for energy driven by the US-China trade war and global economic slowdown. — Matt Egan, CNN, "John Bolton was fired, and the price of oil instantly fell," 10 Sep. 2019 International revenue growth occurred in spite of a negative foreign exchange hit of $23 million caused by the strong dollar overseas, the organization said. — Marc Schneider, Billboard, "BMI Keeps Record Streak Going With 7% Jumps in Revenue, Payouts," 9 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Endgame is likely to hold the new record for a while, unless Cameron re-releases Avatar prior to its 2021 sequel purely to spite the Marvel franchise. — Adam Epstein, Quartzy, "“Avengers: Endgame” is now the biggest movie ever. But that’s still not as impressive as what “Avatar” did," 22 July 2019 His threat was seen as a measure to spite local Jews. — Cnaan Liphshiz, sun-sentinel.com, "In Eastern Europe, Holocaust museums are missing from key historical sites," 30 July 2019 There have been rumors—denied by Team Boris—that Johnson, who was far ahead, had directed some of his supporters to vote for Hunt, just to spite Gove. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, "Here Comes Boris Johnson!," 21 June 2019 But before the Victoria Memorial Hall had even been completed, in 1921, the prince—by then King George V—had moved the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi to spite the city’s vocal nationalists. — Maya Jasanoff, The New York Review of Books, "Lost Calcutta," 23 May 2019 Blocking qualified judges merely to spite Mr. Trump won’t impress GOP voters in a New Hampshire primary in 2020. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "O Come All Ye Judges," 25 Nov. 2018 Chris JacksonGetty Images Kate Middleton and Prince William have arrived for a visit to seaside town Blackpool, and to spite the dreary weather, Kate is dressed in a vibrant outfit. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Braves the Rain in an Olive Sportsmax Coat and Manu Atelier Clutch," 6 Mar. 2019 In fact, the attacker will take it one step further, and join fierce rivals Barcelona instead - simply to spite Los Blancos. — SI.com, "Report Claims Mohamed Salah Has 'Decided Against' Real Madrid Move for Ridiculous Reason," 12 June 2018 Toure's damning assessment of Guardiola - who has managed him at two separate clubs - arrived alongside the Ivorian's offer to play for another top six side for only £1 per week in order to spite Guardiola. — SI.com, "'I Never Saw Something Racist': De Bruyne Defends Pep Guardiola Over Yaya Toure's Anti-African Claim," 6 June 2018

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