Synonyms of malign

malign 1 of 2

adjective

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

both parties to the divorce showed a malign desire to make each other's future life utterly miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

malign

2 of 2

verb

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about

a candidate who believes that it is possible to win an election without maligning anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• libel
• smear
• vilify
• defame
• humiliate
• discredit
• slander
• disgrace
• calumniate
• denigrate
• asperse
• disparage
• traduce
• blacken
• belittle
• detract
• shame
• humble
• dishonor
• degrade
• disdain
• debase
• scorn
• abase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• honor
• exalt
• glorify
• commend
• respect
• applaud
• praise
• regard
• admire
• esteem
• worship
• acclaim
• adore
• revere
• venerate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word malign different from other adjectives like it?

The words baleful and sinister are common synonyms of malign. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

When could baleful be used to replace malign?

In some situations, the words baleful and malign are roughly equivalent. However, baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

When would sinister be a good substitute for malign?

The synonyms sinister and malign are sometimes interchangeable, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

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