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

Alcohol played a major role in deaths from malignant tumors in the head and neck, including lip, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and cancer of the esophagus. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Amabile revealed in July that he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor after receiving results from an MRI. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026

Busy Philipps underwent two invasive surgeries this spring related to a malignant tumor in her brain. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

The tumor was an oligodendroglioma, a malignant tumor defined by two genetic alterations. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026