Synonyms of malign

malign 1 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈlīn 

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

both parties to the divorce showed a malign desire to make each other's future life utterly miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

• malicious
• cruel
• vicious
• hateful
• malignant
• nasty
• malevolent
• bad
• spiteful
• virulent
• despiteful
• venomous
• poisonous
• catty
• bitter
• jealous
• bitchy
• mean
• evil
• harsh
• hostile
• vindictive
• obnoxious
• unkind
• devious
• envious
• derogatory
• vitriolic
• disparaging
• snakelike
• baneful
• opprobrious
• resentful
• contemptuous
• baleful
• inimical
• rancorous
• deprecating
• acrimonious
• scornful
• scurvy
• jaundiced
• snide
• disdainful
• unkindly
• scoundrelly
• unloving
• snotty
• caustic
• mean-spirited
• scathing
• acrid

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• benign
• benevolent
• loving
• good
• sympathetic
• kind
• warm
• kindly
• compassionate
• friendly
• pleasant
• genial
• amiable
• benignant
• gracious
• agreeable
• nice
• cordial
• sweet
• affable
• unmalicious
• affectionate
• kindhearted
• amorous
• good-hearted
• warmhearted
• humane
• noble
• tender
• philanthropic
• altruistic
• humanitarian
• magnanimous
• tenderhearted
• high-minded

malign

2 of 2

verb

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about

a candidate who believes that it is possible to win an election without maligning anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• smear
• vilify
• defame
• humiliate
• discredit
• slander
• disgrace
• calumniate
• denigrate
• asperse
• disparage
• traduce
• blacken
• belittle
• detract
• shame
• humble
• dishonor
• degrade
• disdain
• debase
• scorn
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• glorify
• commend
• respect
• applaud
• praise
• regard
• admire
• esteem
• worship
• acclaim
• adore
• revere
• venerate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word malign different from other adjectives like it?

The words baleful and sinister are common synonyms of malign. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

When could baleful be used to replace malign?

In some situations, the words baleful and malign are roughly equivalent. However, baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

When would sinister be a good substitute for malign?

The synonyms sinister and malign are sometimes interchangeable, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malign

Adjective

The Poland arson in September was one of more than 210 incidents across Europe that Western officials consider sabotage and malign activity linked to Russia tracked by The Associated Press since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

In recent years, totalizing ideologies such as communism, fascism, and Islamism have found dedicated audiences on social media, and the proliferation of demagogues manipulating people for malign ends is an ever-present worry. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Trojans’ maligned secondary, in particular, was a major beneficiary. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

What is often maligned as one of the worst tracks for racing due to the lack of overtaking opportunities will now have an extra race, surely opening the door for even more criticism. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

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