Synonyms of spiteful

spiteful

adjective

ˈspīt-fəl 

as in malicious

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

the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spiteful

But again and again throughout Thursday’s hearing, the fraying of bonds between Kennedy and his former party was on full display as spiteful comments were passed back and forth. — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Phil, a spiteful rancher who torments his brother's (Jesse Plemons) new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her sensitive teenage son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), against the backdrop of 1920s Montana. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026

That the spiteful man sees only as far as the spiteful man can, and that can produce a work of art that is successful, but maybe not ultimately great. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

And Landman totally got the assignment and deftly plays a series of selfish, clueless and/or spiteful clods. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026