Synonyms of malice

malice

noun

ˈma-ləs 

as in venom

the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm

there was no reason other than pure malice to spread such disgusting lies all over campus

Synonyms & Similar Words

• venom
• hatred
• cruelty
• maliciousness
• spite
• hatefulness
• meanness
• malevolence
• hostility
• malignity
• spitefulness
• jealousy
• contempt
• viciousness
• bitterness
• malignancy
• disgust
• spleen
• hate
• nastiness
• malignance
• despite
• disdain
• resentment
• cattiness
• animosity
• enmity
• antagonism
• rancor
• vindictiveness
• distaste
• grudge
• abusiveness
• loathing
• antipathy
• abhorrence
• horror
• jaundice
• repugnance
• revulsion
• abomination
• repulsion
• vengefulness
• mean-spiritedness
• scorn
• ill will
• bile
• invidiousness
• execration
• virulence
• aversion
• vitriol
• pique
• bitchiness
• bitchery
• despicableness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• love
• devotion
• passion
• friendliness
• hospitality
• cordiality
• civility
• amity
• amiability
• worship
• kindness
• infatuation
• adoration
• ardor
• affection
• veneration
• kindliness
• sympathy
• understanding
• charity
• friendship
• amicability
• empathy
• goodwill
• comity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun malice differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of malice are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is grudge a more appropriate choice than malice?

Although the words grudge and malice have much in common, 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 malice?

In some situations, the words ill will and malice are roughly equivalent. However, ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

Where would malevolence be a reasonable alternative to malice?

The words malevolence and malice are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

In what contexts can malignity take the place of malice?

The words malignity and malice can be used in similar contexts, but malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When would spite be a good substitute for malice?

The synonyms spite and malice are sometimes interchangeable, but spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When might spleen be a better fit than malice?

While the synonyms spleen and malice are close in meaning, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malice

Stacey Humphreys, 53, was convicted of malice murder in the 2003 killings of 33-year-old Cyndi Williams and 21-year-old Lori Brown. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Good intentions can become intentional malice when policymakers ignore clear warnings and leave taxpayers stuck with the bill. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

Takamura tasks Musashi with eliminating the malice that has spread around the city. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Epley points out that this tendency (homophily) is often driven by fear rather than malice. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026