despitefully

adverb

Definition of despitefullynext
as in hatefully
in a mean or spiteful manner a theater critic known for his despitefully negative reviews

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of despitefully In other words, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. — Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despitefully
  1. maliciously
  2. bitterly
Adverb
  • The president, who has long insisted that someone maliciously vandalized the lining of the pool with a knife or boxcutter, first rebuked Pirro's decision to drop the Hearn case in a Saturday social media post.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • During his arraignment a month later, Brown pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to unlawfully and maliciously cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of maliciously
Adverb
  • Congressional Republicans are headed into the home stretch ahead of a crucial midterm election year bitterly divided over their competing legislative priorities.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There were riots, protests and a bitterly divisive war in Vietnam that looked intractable.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
Definition of bitterly

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despiteful
despitefully
despitefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Despitefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despitefully. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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