Synonyms of malignity

malignity

noun

as in malice

the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm

one of the characters in the novel is a cruel oppressor of such malignity that he came to be one of the most famous villains in all of literature

Synonyms & Similar Words

• malice
• venom
• cruelty
• hatred
• spite
• meanness
• maliciousness
• malevolence
• hostility
• malignancy
• hatefulness
• viciousness
• spitefulness
• jealousy
• contempt
• malignance
• bitterness
• spleen
• disgust
• nastiness
• despite
• hate
• disdain
• enmity
• antagonism
• cattiness
• resentment
• animosity
• abhorrence
• vindictiveness
• rancor
• loathing
• antipathy
• distaste
• repugnance
• abusiveness
• jaundice
• repulsion
• execration
• revulsion
• abomination
• horror
• grudge
• scorn
• ill will
• virulence
• vengefulness
• invidiousness
• mean-spiritedness
• bile
• aversion
• vitriol
• pique
• bitchiness
• despicableness
• bitchery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• devotion
• love
• passion
• cordiality
• amiability
• hospitality
• friendliness
• amity
• civility
• worship
• ardor
• veneration
• infatuation
• adoration
• affection
• kindness
• kindliness
• understanding
• sympathy
• charity
• friendship
• amicability
• goodwill
• empathy
• comity

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun malignity differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of malignity are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When would grudge be a good substitute for malignity?

Although the words grudge and malignity have much in common, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

In what contexts can ill will take the place of malignity?

The synonyms ill will and malignity are sometimes interchangeable, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When might malevolence be a better fit than malignity?

The meanings of malevolence and malignity largely overlap; however, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When is malice a more appropriate choice than malignity?

The words malice and malignity can be used in similar contexts, but malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When can spite be used instead of malignity?

While in some cases nearly identical to malignity, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to malignity?

While the synonyms spleen and malignity are close in meaning, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians