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
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Recent Examples of malicious
This can only happen if Tehran agrees to end its malicious activities and actions.
—
Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 21 May 2026
This legislation is designed to prevent the malicious sharing of students’ personal information—such as home addresses, phone numbers, and school details—with the intent to harass, threaten, or harm.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
The minors were referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and charged with arson, malicious burning, burglary, trespassing, reckless endangerment and conspiracy, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Alternative explanations only get more malicious from there.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for malicious
Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 21 May 2026
This legislation is designed to prevent the malicious sharing of students’ personal information—such as home addresses, phone numbers, and school details—with the intent to harass, threaten, or harm.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026
The minors were referred to the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and charged with arson, malicious burning, burglary, trespassing, reckless endangerment and conspiracy, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Alternative explanations only get more malicious from there.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for malicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malicious
Adjective
-
Her vicious block on Clark with seven minutes left nearly lifted the roof off the place.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Other cast members spoke on rising to new challenges in Season 2, including Paulina Chavez, whose character Ariana Medina survived a vicious assault in the penultimate episode.—
Kai Naima Williams,
Variety,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Electronic bugs are installed, secretaries listen in on every phone call and conversation, and rock 'n roll is banned in this cruel culture of absolute secrecy.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
-
The slaughter of Australian infantry at the hands of Turkish guns on the coastal region of Gallipoli has become emblematic of the pointless loss of life during this cruel conflict.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Once, an Iowa State Cyclones fan account posted a picture of Crooks at the state fair with a steer, and the onslaught of hateful comments that followed was too much; the picture disappeared.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
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This last sneak peek serves up heaps of colorful heroic set pieces as He-Man recruits a fearsome force to storm Castle Greyskull and reclaim the throne from his hateful nemesis.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Flu season may be mostly behind us, but a nasty, highly contagious stomach bug is rising.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Rhaenyra is suddenly dealing with internal criticism, possible rebellions, subjects spray-painting nasty stuff on the walls and self-doubt.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
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 difference between this Andrew Wilson and the one from Whatever was remarkable—as was the fact that Rogan was prepared to host the benevolent version without any apparent concern for the malevolent one.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone has an acid tongue and brims with spiteful resentment.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
-
However nasty and spiteful things get between the Butleys and the del Valles, there’s always the sense that a détente may still be possible.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The malignant regime never keeps inconvenient promises.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Their media empire may be a malignant blight on the world, but their vulnerabilities gave the show depth and tonal variety.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malicious. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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