Synonyms of malevolent

malevolent

adjective

mə-ˈle-və-lənt 

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

the novel grossly oversimplified the conflict as a struggle between relentlessly malevolent villains on one side and faultless saints on the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• hateful
• nasty
• malignant
• spiteful
• bad
• virulent
• malign
• despiteful
• venomous
• bitchy
• evil
• poisonous
• bitter
• jealous
• catty
• mean
• harsh
• obnoxious
• vindictive
• devious
• hostile
• snakelike
• resentful
• vitriolic
• envious
• contemptuous
• unkind
• baneful
• acrimonious
• baleful
• scornful
• jaundiced
• snotty
• derogatory
• disdainful
• scurvy
• snide
• rancorous
• opprobrious
• disparaging
• unloving
• inimical
• scoundrelly
• caustic
• mean-spirited
• unkindly
• deprecating
• acrid
• scathing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• benevolent
• benign
• loving
• sympathetic
• good
• warm
• kind
• compassionate
• friendly
• kindly
• amiable
• pleasant
• agreeable
• benignant
• gracious
• genial
• nice
• affable
• sweet
• cordial
• unmalicious
• kindhearted
• amorous
• affectionate
• good-hearted
• warmhearted
• humane
• tender
• noble
• altruistic
• philanthropic
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• tenderhearted
• high-minded

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malevolent

The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026

Ryan has also had some unexplained incidents involving an unseen, malevolent force. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

The malevolent Sidious put Maul through the wringer, torturing and manipulating him on his path to becoming a fearsome Sith Lord. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026

The rapid rise of AI, while technologically dazzling, has prompted widespread anxieties on multiple fronts, including job security, human worth and potential misuse by malevolent actors looking to commit fraud, spread disinformation or foment hate. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 14 May 2026