MEAN-SPIRITEDNESS Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

mean-spiritedness

noun

as in animosity

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mean-spiritedness Every day this White House offers up a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness. — Halle Troadec, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025 There’s a weird mean-spiritedness amongst young male losers that is harming them. — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 There was a mean-spiritedness that the white COs up in the mountains had for us that the Black and brown ones who guarded us in Sing Sing did not. — John J. Lennon september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mean-spiritedness

Noun

All of them are troubled by increasing animosity from their many political adversaries, especially because the series’ big bad, an immortal named Koschei the Deathless, seems to be stirring in mysterious ways.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Katrina, an erstwhile nemesis from her school days, discomfits her by showing only kindness rather than animosity.

— Malcolm Forbes, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of animosity

Noun

There’s no need to pay committed Republicans, while committed Democrats will see the offer as a bald monetization of politics that can deepen their antagonism.

— Kenneth Greene, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026
These are the reasons for antagonism to Mayor Levy, not hyper-partisanship.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of antagonism

Noun

Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Riyadh said the discussions were aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open and preventing another escalation in hostilities.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hostility

Noun

The Court finds Defendant could not have responded to these instances of 'actual malice' in the First Amended Complaint, as they were not framed as such.

— Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
In October, a Newton County grand jury indicted 43-year-old Taiesha Wilson on charges of malice murder, murder, concealing the death of another, identity theft, and more.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of malice

Noun

The enmity between the sides grew after the Irish players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem before the first match.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
The months-long battle was bitter and hard fought and enmity within the industry has yet to subside.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of enmity

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mean-spirited

mean-spiritedness

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“Mean-spiritedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mean-spiritedness. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mean-spiritedness

noun

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