Thesaurus

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge 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

malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

- a look of dark malevolence

ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

- ill will provoked by a careless remark

spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

- petty insults inspired by spite

malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

- a life consumed by motiveless malignity

spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

- venting his spleen against politicians

grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

- never one to harbor a grudge

Learn More about malice

See words that rhyme with malice Dictionary: Definition of malice Spanish Central: Translation of malice Nglish: Translation of malice for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of malice for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up malice? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments

Thesaurus

malice

Synonyms and Antonyms of malice

Synonym Discussion of malice

Learn More about malice

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

resurrection

Aww it's So 'Adorkable'

A Glossary of River Words

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Trending: 'Surveillance': Same as Spying?

On Contractions of Multiple Words