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

In other cases Hoodoo was used to counter the threat of curses, as in the practice of suspending bottles from a tree to trap any malevolent spirits or witches traveling in spirit form. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

The Gwi Realm is a desolate, crimson wasteland littered with malevolent presence, so naturally there have been comparisons to that other little Netflix show called Stranger Things. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Peter Gosselin Washington Moyn’s article and the accompanying cover photograph—showing old people as malevolent and evil—were not up to the usual standards of Harper’s Magazine. — Peter Gosselin, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Or was the hole man-made with a malevolent intent, perhaps plundering a grave for artifacts? — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026