MALIGN Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

malign 1 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈlīn

Definition of malign next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 malign

Adjective

Trump in his radio interview pushed back against the notion that the settlement, which offers plentiful concessions to Russia, would embolden Putin to carry out further malign action on his European neighbors. —

Illia Novikov, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2025 When a family living in a remote rural home reported that a malign power seemed to have taken over their house, Cornell was dispatched. —

Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025

Verb

In just a few short years, you’ve become known for these docs about women who aren’t simply high-profile, but who’ve seen their lives play out in the public eye and have often been maligned in the media. —

Alex Ritman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 Like several women maligned in the ’90s, Harding was reevaluated in later years, and the sympathetic 2017 biopic I, Tonya helped to rehabilitate her image. —

Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for malign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malign

Adjective

Rodney Ward could face up to 25 years in prison for the charges of theft and malicious destruction of property.

— Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Their poverty, the fruit of Salieri’s malicious ploys, tests the limits of their endurance.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026