as in malicious
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
a malignant wish to lash out at everyone who was smarter, richer, or better-looking than he was
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of malignant
Half of the mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and of the malignant half, most can be treated successfully with surgery if caught early enough, the veterinary group notes.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
That one is on Stan Bowman, as was the decision to stick with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard for the start of the 2025-26 season despite Skinner’s malignant inconsistency and Pickard’s career-backup resume.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Giant cell tumors are typically non-cancerous, with only 4% of the tumors becoming malignant cancers, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
In the latest check-up following the surgery, Netanyahu revealed in a statement on social media that doctors discovered a malignant tumor in his prostate of less than a centimeter.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malignant
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
That one is on Stan Bowman, as was the decision to stick with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard for the start of the 2025-26 season despite Skinner’s malignant inconsistency and Pickard’s career-backup resume.
—Sean Gentille, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Giant cell tumors are typically non-cancerous, with only 4% of the tumors becoming malignant cancers, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
In the latest check-up following the surgery, Netanyahu revealed in a statement on social media that doctors discovered a malignant tumor in his prostate of less than a centimeter.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malignant
Adjective
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The Celeste team argues that large, heavy drones pose a serious cybersecurity risk, as they could be hijacked and used for harm by malicious hackers.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
14 May 2026
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That’s not necessarily malicious.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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The story follows a Lebanese family caught in debts and schemes that drag them in a vicious cycle that tests their unity.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 May 2026
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But the score was a costly one since the penalty that sent up the goal — a vicious hit from defenseman Brayden McNabb — knocked Ducks forward Ryan Poehling out of the game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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In Sylvie’s imagination, Nita becomes Anna, a sultry beauty with a cruel streak who has been dating the meek Christophe (Niney) while secretly engaging in an affair with their married boss, Pierre (Cassel).—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
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The first major climb of any Grand Tour is usually a cruel dose of reality — where teams, having built around a rider over the previous week, suddenly realise those sacrifices might have been in vain.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Given the current political climate, especially in Washington — created by the hateful Dems — a ballroom is essential for all members of both parties.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2026
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Michael’s hateful words come from a desperate desire not to return home, Moss-Bachrach says.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Drain Mats Kitchen sinks may be dirty, but your drain mat is downright nasty.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
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But facing the Jaguars after the Chiefs and before the Rams is nasty business.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malignant. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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