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
Tech has been unfairly maligned for his clothing and costume choices, and hearing the song, then repeatedly watching the video, the work pulls its audience in; the words make direct eye contact. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 Even if the film itself was critically maligned, Chomet’s clever and richly animated opening was much admired. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for malign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malign
Adjective
  • The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • Deepfakes have been growing more sophisticated in recent years, in addition to being increasingly deployed for malicious purposes.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 10 July 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
  • Politics remains a cruel business and the governor has been on the frontline of it for nearly 20 years, winning and losing.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • They were joined by actors playing the contestants, who lurched along wearing expressions of exaggerated horror, as though the cruel stakes of the game had just been revealed to them.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Baldoni’s countersuit, accusing her of smearing him, was dismissed last week.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • The assertion by certain anonymous users online is a typically out-of-context and absurd effort to create fake news for clicks and to smear.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Stanton, demonstrating that there’s still plenty of power in his vicious swing, sent the pitch 401 feet the other way at 106.1 mph.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
  • The author presents a vicious takedown of George Washington.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • They have been vilified by many of those on the right and patronized by many of those on the left.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2025
  • The Affordable Care Act has been vilified by Republicans since passage during President Barack Obama’s tenure.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our national broadcaster should not be transmitting hateful material designed to incite violence and conflict.
    Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • But here’s the hard truth: the First Amendment protects vile, hateful speech, not just popular opinions.
    Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Malign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malign. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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