grudge 1 of 2

grudge

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grudge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grudge are ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is it sensible to use ill will instead of grudge?

The words ill will and grudge can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When could malevolence be used to replace grudge?

Although the words malevolence and grudge have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than grudge?

While the synonyms malice and grudge are close in meaning, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is malignity a more appropriate choice than grudge?

The words malignity and grudge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of grudge?

In some situations, the words spite and grudge are roughly equivalent. However, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When can spleen be used instead of grudge?

The meanings of spleen and grudge largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

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 grudge
Noun
He’s been too busy winning state titles with the Bruins to get riled up about old grudges. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 June 2025 The former police chief held grudges, the mayor said Hardin, 56, was briefly the police chief of Gateway in 2016 and had a slew of various law enforcement jobs in the region – many of which ended with him being fired or forced to resign, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Verb
But the absence of their grudging leader and brightest light exposed differences both fresh and latent, and greed and ego frayed their alliances. Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 But when the chance for revenge on Alexus comes, Raina is forced to let her grudge fall to the wayside to prevent her sister — and the entire empire — from being claimed by a bigger enemy. Alyssa Davis, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
Noun
  • This helps prevent confusion, resentment, or unrealistic assumptions—especially under stress.
    Raul Elizalde, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Unrealistic demands can lead to burnout, resentment and a loss of productivity across the entire team.
    Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Fu also singled out Israel and called for efforts to bring an end to the hostilities.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 June 2025
  • Recent Market Performance Since the start of the current Israel-Iran hostilities on June 13, the S&P 500 has been 1.2% lower.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • And Trump has disliked what he’s heard about a proposal that senators like Hawley and Tillis say will cost their states dearly.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 26 June 2025
  • The dads, Brads and Chads who dislike Swift made their negative thoughts known in the comments, but the one that really mattered came from Kelce.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump also seemed to put a greater priority on addressing his grievances with other nations’ trade policies.
    Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • After their move to California, the couple began to air their grievances in interviews and documentaries.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Ragusa alleged in her suit that the city discriminated against her, as well as other female and minority candidates, by refusing to interview them for the job back when it was first advertised.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
  • Newsom is effectively forcing the Wiener proposal through by refusing to sign a budget deal without the CEQA exemptions.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • But the company denies claims that its equipment sparked the 2019 fire, which tore through Sylmar, Porter Ranch and Granada Hills — all suburbs of Los Angeles — burning 8,799 acres.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • To many in the transgender community, the policy also felt like another attack by the current administration to erase them from public spaces and deny their existence.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The feud escalated after the university openly defied demands to overhaul Harvard policies around campus protests, admissions, hiring and other issues.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Saying Anti-Transgender Sports Bill 'Does Not Protect Women' Biles and Gaines’ social media feud began on June 6, when Gaines made anti-trans remarks about a transgender softball player while commenting on a celebratory post from the Minnesota State High School League.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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