spite 1 of 2

Definition of spitenext

spite

2 of 2

verb

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

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
In spite of tariffs, the US has been a focus for luxury labels this year. Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 June 2026 There’s this prevailing sentiment of perseverance in spite of grief, and a compulsion to dedicate his success to those who witnessed the journey. Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Verb
The rest of the episode is consumed with Carl’s soft opening for Soft Bar, the alcohol-free social environment that exists solely to spite Lindsay Hubbard. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Candidates are definitely choosing — to spite Hicks. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
Noun
  • Although Ashley had alleged things like malice, ill-will and improper motives by Adam, that still fell short of proving that Adam knew that his statements were false.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • The documentary explores the dark web of fraud, deception and malice that led Parker to feign a pregnancy to try to bolster her relationship with boyfriend Wade Griffin — and when her fake due date passed, kill Hancock for her baby, Braxlynn Sage.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
    Claudia Boyd-Barrett, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
    Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • One common misconception is that lionfish are inedible because of their venom.
    Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
  • Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis have been reported in patients using bee venom therapy.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • His pace routinely bothered Sweden, including on one impressive solo run in the first half that produced a quality attacking scenario.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Police investigations showed that the pair are suspected of displaying seditious items and selling publications with seditious content inside the shop, including materials inciting hatred against the city's government, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, the government said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026
  • Not drinking seemed to me synonymous with a hatred of pleasure, a fascist quest for purity.
    Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • These passages highlight the typically human cruelty and hypocrisy of fighting for one’s own liberty while denying it to one’s neighbors.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
  • Last week, Dixon also pleaded no contest to the three felony animal cruelty charges.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
  • His doctor had been bugging him for years to get a colonoscopy because of his age, but Driggers declined.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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