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vengeful

adjective

venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
Synonyms of vengefulnext
: revengeful: such as
a
: seeking to avenge
b
: serving to gain vengeance
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So, what makes South Park, which has enjoyed record-breaking viewership across its last two back-to-back seasons, so untouchable in the vengeful eyes of the leader of the free world? Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Nov. 2025 Along the way, he's also got to contend with a vengeful FBI agent and the political aspirations of an old foe now running for governor. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025 Last Rites loosely tackles the story of the Smurls, a family haunted by a vengeful demon. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2025 The season premiere introduced us to Isabelle, who is launching a vengeful campaign to dominate Parisian society after Valmont's betrayal. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vengeful

Word History

Etymology

venge + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vengeful was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Vengeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vengeful. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

vengeful

adjective
venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
: wanting revenge
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on vengeful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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