MALICIOUS Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

malicious

adjective

mə-ˈli-shəs

as in vicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it the neighborhood chatterbox has again been spreading malicious gossip

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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 malicious Google says its Android protections also help detect suspicious calls and block malicious messages. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 For its first seven years, the EI-ISAC — which provides numerous cybersecurity tools like endpoint protection and malicious domain blocking, in addition to issuing best practices to its members — was funded by the federal government. —

Miles Parks, NPR, 16 June 2026 Tillman, 45, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of malicious destruction of government property by fire. —

Jason Green, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Malware, hackers, trackers, and other malicious actors can compromise your system, steal your personal data, and wreak havoc on your finances. —

K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for malicious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malicious

Adjective

The story follows vicious ex-con, Max Cady (Bardem) and his revenge plot against married couple Tom (Patrick Wilson) and Anna Bowden (Adams).

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Mahmic’s vicious goal in traffic salvaged some good feeling before a decisive showdown with Qatar next week.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 June 2026