Synonyms of malignant

malignant

adjective

mə-ˈlig-nənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• hateful
• nasty
• malevolent
• malign
• virulent
• bad
• spiteful
• despiteful
• venomous
• poisonous
• bitchy
• bitter
• evil
• jealous
• catty
• mean
• harsh
• obnoxious
• hostile
• vindictive
• scurvy
• snakelike
• devious
• resentful
• baneful
• envious
• vitriolic
• unkind
• jaundiced
• rancorous
• acrimonious
• opprobrious
• contemptuous
• baleful
• derogatory
• snotty
• inimical
• scornful
• scoundrelly
• deprecating
• caustic
• disdainful
• unkindly
• disparaging
• unloving
• snide
• mean-spirited
• acrid
• scathing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• benign
• benevolent
• loving
• sympathetic
• good
• warm
• kind
• compassionate
• benignant
• kindly
• friendly
• pleasant
• amiable
• agreeable
• genial
• gracious
• cordial
• sweet
• nice
• affable
• unmalicious
• affectionate
• amorous
• kindhearted
• good-hearted
• warmhearted
• tender
• humane
• noble
• altruistic
• humanitarian
• philanthropic
• magnanimous
• tenderhearted
• high-minded

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of malignant

These early sequences display a keen ability from Matsumura to paint a tragic picture of malignant, festering grief from a past tragedy, without the need for any overt explanation. — James Marsh, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026

Cancer can exploit molecular signals that restrain immune responses, allowing malignant cells to escape attack even when identified. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026

Experts say the state-of-the-art Ion robotic bronchoscopy would have indicated whether the tumor was malignant and possibly whether cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Before enrollment, people volunteering for the study would be screened for early signs of cancer because TB-4 triggers vessel growth and cell migration, which might exacerbate malignant growths. — CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026