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

North Korea, Russia, and China could use cryptocurrency to move money, bypass controls, and expand malign influence. — Richard Nephew, Fortune, 2 July 2026

The prices, the vast distances fans have to cover, the hijacking of the tournament by malign political forces, the environmental damage that all of this travel is causing… there is plenty to take the edge off the primal joy that the football has given us. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Verb

The move quickly set off a firestorm, with immigration rights advocates accusing DOJ of trying to malign a dead man. — Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Or maybe England’s much maligned Bukayo Saka shaking off early struggles to finish with a hat trick? — Sergio Gonzalez, New York Times, 19 July 2026

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