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

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

The show finds ways to expose the worst in its characters, their pettiest, most vengeful, greediest parts. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

While trying to save one of Afton’s victims, a young girl named Charlotte dies and her vengeful spirit possesses Marionette, a creepy puppet animatronic. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Most of the other relationships in the movie are hopelessly corrupted or poisoned in some way, as Letty moves between an unloving mother and a vengeful former lover, and others whose closeness is a weapon to be feared. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 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