as in hatefully
in a mean or spiteful manner
a theater critic known for his despitefully negative reviews
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despitefully
Adverb
-
That language is weaponized so maliciously throughout Aïnouz’s second English-language feature speaks to his intent to unnerve the audience relentlessly.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Patel’s complaint alleges he was maliciously prosecuted and deprived of due process.—
Shaddi Abusaid,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Since October last year, Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on the Ukrainian energy system, knocking out electricity and heat and plunging millions of Ukrainians into long blackouts during bitterly cold winter temperatures.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In Alchevsk, a city in the Luhansk region, over half the homes have been without heat for two bitterly cold months.—
Yuras Karmanau,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despitefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despitefully. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
