as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
the maliciousness of some Internet trolls led the editor to start moderating comments on the site
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maliciousness
Noun
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Jurors decided that Grossman also acted with malice and oppression and Erickson acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026 -
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Even after a jellyfish dies, its tentacles can continue to release venom through microscopic stinging cells.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
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The snake's venom is highly toxic, but its small size reduces the risk of a fatal bite.—
Jack Armstrong,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
3 June 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Maliciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maliciousness. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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