malign 1 of 2

malign

2 of 2

verb

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
Other necessary actions would include reducing malign economic influence, curtailing their global trade, and tightening what would likely be a robust set of sanctions. Daniel R. Green, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024 Project Texas would provide for a series of audits and code reviews of the algorithm in the United States, in which U.S. actors, including engineers at Oracle Corporation, would have an opportunity to detect any malign foreign influence over the recommendations engine. Emily Baker-White, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Verb
Reading has been unfairly maligned as an indoor activity for far too long, in my opinion. Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 Buy Now The Best Celebrity Photo Books of 2024 05 of 10 'Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It' by Janina Ramirez The Middle Ages are often maligned as a dark time of oppression, ignorance and patriarchy, but recent scholarship shows this wasn’t the case. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malign
Adjective
  • The ransomware attacks in question started with malicious Google Ads deployed by the threat actors.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, Manhattan Federal Judge Jed Rakoff, who presided over both trials, decided The Times was not liable for defamation while jurors were deliberating, that the error amounted to unfortunate editorializing but not libel.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As a new, inexpensive Chevrolet appeared in 1927 and The Dearborn Independent was sued for libeling a number of Jewish businessmen, Ford threw in the towel and apologized.
    George Pendle, airmail.news, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Scheifele’s emotional and inspirational decision to play mere hours after his father’s unexpected death — to play for his dad, to play because of his dad — ended in cruel fashion, with Scheifele helpless in the penalty box.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • At first the program seems to be benign, but Hayakawa’s film steadily reveals how the policy thrives on the cruel capitalist tenet that people are disposable.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Avoid insecticides, greasy oils, or petroleum jelly smeared near the feeder that can coat hummingbird feathers.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • Though the moment is smeared in dramatic score, a dull clanging pierces through; the EMTs can’t get the gurney wheels to glide out of the doorway.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • But even when locked in a tense, deadly standoff with the vicious Barbie, Moulin doesn’t break, and his courage and silence helps lead to the liberation of France, while leaving behind a new spirit of strength and resistance.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 May 2025
  • Bone Tomahawk Year: 2015 Runtime: 2h 11m Director: S. Craig Zahler S. Craig Zahler has become one of the most divisive filmmakers working today after three vicious, brutal movies — Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Kid is a member of an oppressed race who was driven to terrorism by the acts of the corporation that destroyed his home planet and vilified his race.
    Ryan Woodrow, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
  • Donald Trump’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights at home, from bans on gender-affirming care to vilifying drag performers, are not staying within U.S. borders.
    Daniel Anthony, Them., 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Coupled with his hateful rhetoric, threats, lies, erratic policies, trampling of the Constitution and abnormal fascination with childish superlatives, tyrannical figures and Soviet-era style military parades, there’s much to be concerned about.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
  • Despite the hateful rhetoric from left-wing Democrats fighting Trump’s efforts, Trump and his dream team won’t back down.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malign. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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