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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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 These malicious scripts skim payment information directly from retailer codes as buyers check out. —

Ethan Stone, USA Today, 11 May 2026 In addition, the Federal Trade Commission notes that nationwide credit bureaus — such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer free credit freezes and fraud alerts that consumers can set up to help protect themselves from identity theft and other malicious attacks. —

ABC News, 8 May 2026 On top of all this, Apple says the warnings will definitely pop up if a command that’s been pasted in Terminal is known to be malicious. —

Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026 The malicious Iranian regime is our national enemy. —

Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for malicious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malicious

Adjective

The story follows a Lebanese family caught in debts and schemes that drag them in a vicious cycle that tests their unity.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 13 May 2026
But the score was a costly one since the penalty that sent up the goal — a vicious hit from defenseman Brayden McNabb — knocked Ducks forward Ryan Poehling out of the game.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026