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
The therapist conceals her own malignant vices behind smiles and warmth, and the two share secrets that neither is prepared for.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
Doctors there found heart arrhythmia and a lung tumor his family feared was malignant.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
While most are harmless, some have the potential to become malignant over time.
—Holly Burns, Time, 6 May 2026
About half of mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and of those that are malignant, most can be treated successfully with surgery if caught early enough.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malignant
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 May 2026
Doctors there found heart arrhythmia and a lung tumor his family feared was malignant.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
While most are harmless, some have the potential to become malignant over time.
—Holly Burns, Time, 6 May 2026
About half of mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and of those that are malignant, most can be treated successfully with surgery if caught early enough.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for malignant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malignant
Adjective
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The malicious prosecution claim was dismissed after Levine’s attorneys failed to object to a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the final charge.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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The Knicks also got their revenge on Wembanyama, who went unpenalized for a malicious, above-the-shoulders shove on Brunson in Game 3.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Firefighters faced vicious winds and, at times, 30-foot flames.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Still, the simple story — written by Jordan Tannahill, who adapted his own book, and directed by Janicza Bravo — illustrates various destructive choices and cruel actions ostensibly driven by love.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
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Here is the part that feels especially cruel.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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During a press conference with the family, Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, said the Anthonys had heard false information, misinformation and experienced hateful attacks.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Resolutions passed on immigration and political violence Later Wednesday, SBC messengers approved a resolutions denouncing political violence and hateful speech.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Yet thieves have found a nasty workaround.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
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The nasty spat culminated in April when Shell agreed to resign as president of Paramount Skydance to concentrate on his legal headache.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malignant. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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