DESPITEFULLY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

despitefully

adverb

Definition of despitefully

as in hatefully

in a mean or spiteful manner a theater critic known for his despitefully negative reviews

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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

Adverb

The race is widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's nearly unbroken 17-year rule, which had left Israelis bitterly divided on a host of issues even before the deadliest attack in the country's history.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
The race was widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s nearly unbroken 17-year rule, which had left Israelis bitterly divided on a host of issues even before the deadliest attack in the country’s history.

— Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of bitterly

Adverb

At this early stage, the most immediate threat appears to be for those using VPNs, especially in countries with governments likely to maliciously intercept traffic.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
Puddles formed on the floor of the visitors’ clubhouse Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium as beer and champagne was spilled intentionally, but not maliciously.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of maliciously

Adverb

Poor Melanie is swarmed and viciously attacked until Mitch comes to her rescue in a scene that is visceral and frightening.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
After viciously hitting step-back threes, trash talking anyone who dares tempt him and racking up two NBA scoring titles, Doncic just likes to stay home, maybe get lunch or play cards.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of viciously

Adverb

Elle Fanning stars as a wickedly mischievous Catherine, with Nicholas Hoult in the dual role of her husband, the petulant manchild Emperor Peter III, and his body double, Yemelyan Pugachev.

— Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
Hadid smiles wickedly at the memory of her team presenting to her huge poster boards plastered with images of herself every time she had been photographed in jeans through the years.

— Max Berlinger, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of wickedly

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despiteful

despitefully

despitefulness

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“Despitefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despitefully. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of despitefully

adverb

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