spite 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīt How to pronounce spite (audio)
Definition of spitenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spite

2 of 2

verb

as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

While in some cases nearly identical to spite, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

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

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace spite?

The words malignity and spite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

While in some cases nearly identical to spite, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

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

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace spite?

The words malignity and spite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

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 spite
Noun
That’s in spite of the fact that data center construction rarely leads to a permanent rise in local employment. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026 New research published on Monday in Current Biology argues that Bruce became the dominant male of his social group because of, not in spite of, a disability. —Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
And the public employee unions just cut their noses off to spite their faces, adding to the consternation. —John Moorlach, Oc Register, 23 Aug. 2025 In an apparent attempt to spite Planned Parenthood, the Republican justices have now effectively repealed that law. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
  1. malice
  2. annoy
  3. venom
  4. bother
  5. hatred
  6. irritate
  7. cruelty
  8. bug
Noun
  • Actual malice is the legal standard by which courts determine if someone is liable for libel.
    — Keely Bastow, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
  • However, the evidence of actual malice does not approach the clear and convincing standard.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of malice
Verb
  • As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the president doesn’t get annoyed with him once or twice.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Maybe annoyed enough to fix it.
    — Nathan Edwards, The Verge, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • The woman’s death was caused by blood clotting issues and snake venom, The Mendocino Voice reported.
    — Don Sweeney April 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The injured party should not apply a tourniquet, apply ice, try to suck out the venom or cut the wound, the agency warned.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of venom
Verb
  • With Minnesota viewing them as soft, the Nuggets hardly seem bothered by the criticism.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Fuqua and Logan can’t be bothered to figure it out.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • In the centuries since colonists waged war against the crown, American’s attitudes toward the royals have shifted from hatred to adoration.
    — Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But the War on Terror persisted and mutated into nightmares in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then Syria, which unleashed that darkness in the form of terrorist states and a refugee crisis that spread anti-Muslim and anti-migrant hatred to Europe, the United States, and beyond.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Joining Stuart’s quest are his girlfriend, Denise (Lapkus); geologist buddy Bert (Posehn); and irritating quantum physicist Barry Kripke (Bowie).
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Be Gentle, Be Kind Detangling Spray is no different and is free from fragrance and essential oils, two common ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.
    — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • There was a particular cruelty in having lived with her hearing for 28 years before losing it.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.
    — Sarah Linn April 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of bug

Phrases Containing spite

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Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spite for Spanish Speakers

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