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

As rumours build of a vengeful Thai forest spirit a mysterious young woman appears. — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026

The attempts to save Platner in the high stakes campaign to defeat Republican incumbent Susan Collins involved portraying Platner’s accusers, women, as vengeful liars. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

In the absence of that administrative work and with little progress being made on the various biosafety laws that have been proposed in Congress, the nation has been left with just the vengeful spectacle of lab-leak prosecutions. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Familial drama ensues as betrayal runs rampant and Casillas embarks on a vengeful crusade against his enemies to regain and avenge the death of his love interest. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 7 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