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

And the who, what and why of the vengeful spirit is the narrative pull of the play — along with the tense anticipation of more revelations, suspicions and shocks. — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Now people on both sides of the border will pay for a senseless trade war instigated by a petulant and vengeful president. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Here was a candidate who got shot—as Roosevelt was, in 1912, by a man who’d been instructed to do so in a dream by the vengeful ghost of William McKinley—and kept on campaigning. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Then the Legislature must act, looking for ways to keep state employees from abusing their power in pursuit of a political or vengeful agenda. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 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