as in malicious
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
despiteful treatment of his poor relations during their visit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in disdain
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
the undisguised despitefulness with which the fashion designer announces his "10 worst" list
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despiteful
Adjective
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The ransomware attacks in question started with malicious Google Ads deployed by the threat actors.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025 -
Tyler Chase Butler, 27, was arrested at the scene and was charged on May 6 with second-degree murder, malicious wounding and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2025
Noun
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That is extremely unlikely given Trump's apparent disdain for Boasberg who has overseen a number of Trump's related cases.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
6 May 2025
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The president long has demonstrated a general disdain for Tinseltown — despite his own past as a reality TV star — especially after its outpouring of support for former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential run.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
This dynamic has created a cruel catch-22 which forces an impossible choice: register and risk immediate deportation, or refuse and become criminalized for noncompliance, destroying any path to legal status.—
Kica Matos,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
But Church, who was profoundly affected by the 2023 Covenant school shooting in Nashville, imbues a real fear of what’s possibly around the corner in today’s cruel world.—
Joseph Hudak,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Blue Ivy has also escaped the contempt that most other children of celebrities face online—and social media is completely enamored.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
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Another option would be that Trump could pardon anyone charged with contempt.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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But even when locked in a tense, deadly standoff with the vicious Barbie, Moulin doesn’t break, and his courage and silence helps lead to the liberation of France, while leaving behind a new spirit of strength and resistance.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
10 May 2025
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Bone Tomahawk Year: 2015 Runtime: 2h 11m Director: S. Craig Zahler S. Craig Zahler has become one of the most divisive filmmakers working today after three vicious, brutal movies — Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Heiss said that nothing would be so devastating as to have earned Prima’s hatred.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
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While Brandon Hagel has been suspended and a number of jarring hits have taken place, there is another level of intensity and hatred around the corner.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Coupled with his hateful rhetoric, threats, lies, erratic policies, trampling of the Constitution and abnormal fascination with childish superlatives, tyrannical figures and Soviet-era style military parades, there’s much to be concerned about.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2025
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Despite the hateful rhetoric from left-wing Democrats fighting Trump’s efforts, Trump and his dream team won’t back down.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Despiteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despiteful. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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