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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
Their husbands, Sam and Jason, have summered together on the island since childhood, despite lifelong grudges and numerous secrets. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025 When a body is discovered off the side of the boardwalk, decades-old grudges and rumors ensnare the town. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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 Putin’s apparatus has pivoted in recent days to grudging acknowledgment that the likely culprits had an agenda unrelated to Ukraine: revenge for years of carnage carried out by Russian security forces in Syria, Chechnya and other Muslim states. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
Noun
  • On both sides of Kashmir’s line of control, people feel powerless as their politicians rehash old arguments, potentially reigniting decades of smoldering resentment.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
  • Beyond the politics is a complex brew of resentment and reverence that the president, an Ivy League graduate himself, has long harbored for a club that has never really accepted him.
    Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, restrictions on vacant CPS property sales are part of a broader problem, and that’s education officials’ open hostility toward alternative education models.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Then a decade of talks crashed into President Trump’s hostility toward Canada.
    Karen Weise, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • There are some special exceptions: some plants, notably African violets, orchids, and succulents, dislike having moisture sit on their leaves.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
  • Pretty Pressed Blush is a thin, lightweight blush that is an excellent option for anyone who dislikes the look and feel of powders on their skin.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Among its grievances, the union is seeking access to safe, clean bathrooms and clearer employee seniority lists, and is concerned with issues like rerouting of trucks, member productivity and terminations.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
  • Backlash on the right, motivated by a combination of ideological and ecclesiological grievances, popularized attitudes that questioned the legitimacy of Francis’ authority.
    Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The project educates students about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and the importance of standing against all forms of prejudice.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Republicans such as our current president spew contempt like volcanoes of hatred, prejudice and madness.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Both have also been vocally critical of giving more military and financial assistance to Ukraine and have previously threatened refused to back the EU’s regular extensions of sanctions against Russia.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 May 2025
  • When one player refused and wanted to take a photo of the statement, the player was allegedly denied a chance and warned ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi would find out about his response.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • Aside from an apology video following the release of security footage in which Combs is seen beating Cassie, the music mogul has denied all of the allegations and claimed the video has been altered.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • Though some sheriffs have denied their existence, Luna has acknowledged and vowed to eradicate them.
    Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Washington — President Trump said Friday that his administration will be rescinding Harvard University's tax-exempt status, further escalating the ongoing feud with the Ivy League school.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 May 2025
  • This is by no means the first rap feud to drag on over time.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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