as in villainously
in a mean or spiteful manner
maliciously tried to ruin her reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 maliciously
That language is weaponized so maliciously throughout Aïnouz’s second English-language feature speaks to his intent to unnerve the audience relentlessly.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
Patel’s complaint alleges he was maliciously prosecuted and deprived of due process.
—Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
The tragedy is how this movement spreads maliciously across the spectrum.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
In other words, the Alabama court would determine whether Campbell had willfully and maliciously violated the charging orders, and that determination would then guide the bankruptcy court as to whether Campbell's debt to Radiance Capital would be excepted from discharge.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The charge against the hunter, Shane Huffman, was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, and Huffman is now claiming in the lawsuit that he was falsely arrested and maliciously prosecuted.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 22 Jan. 2026
Stephen Pittman, 19, was charged in federal court with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire or explosive in connection with the weekend arson at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
However, if a board member acts recklessly, maliciously, or beyond their authority, they could be held personally liable.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026
Patel’s complaint alleges he was maliciously prosecuted and deprived of due process.
—Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 9 Feb. 2026
The tragedy is how this movement spreads maliciously across the spectrum.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2026
In other words, the Alabama court would determine whether Campbell had willfully and maliciously violated the charging orders, and that determination would then guide the bankruptcy court as to whether Campbell's debt to Radiance Capital would be excepted from discharge.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The charge against the hunter, Shane Huffman, was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, and Huffman is now claiming in the lawsuit that he was falsely arrested and maliciously prosecuted.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 22 Jan. 2026
Stephen Pittman, 19, was charged in federal court with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire or explosive in connection with the weekend arson at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive.
—Lauren Fichten, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
However, if a board member acts recklessly, maliciously, or beyond their authority, they could be held personally liable.
—Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maliciously
Adverb
-
In other words, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.—
Derek Robertson,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
One kind of viciously efficient profit motive was seeking the destruction of a somewhat different business mode.—
Scott Eden,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
-
For many, qualifying will represent the fruition of a lifelong, viciously competitive goal.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The ultra-chic crewneck sweater has a slightly oversized fit that’s perfect for cozying up on a long-haul flight and or layering with a turtleneck on bitterly cold winter days.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Not bitterly, not hysterically—openly, with the sound of someone arriving at a recognition both painful and clarifying.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Images of Labubus beamed malevolently from their packaging, as if gloating in their unreachability.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
20 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
And so wickedly smart to call it.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
-
And so wickedly smart to call it.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Maliciously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maliciously. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
