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
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Recent Examples of spiteful
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
Tourette’s can feel spiteful and searches out the most upsetting tic for me personally and for those around me.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
Melvin Williams, a professor of communication and media studies at Pace University, says the spiteful nature of Swift and Lively's texts doesn't reflect well on either woman − and both have probably lost some fans as a result.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spiteful
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
Tourette’s can feel spiteful and searches out the most upsetting tic for me personally and for those around me.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
Melvin Williams, a professor of communication and media studies at Pace University, says the spiteful nature of Swift and Lively's texts doesn't reflect well on either woman − and both have probably lost some fans as a result.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spiteful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiteful
Adjective
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The malicious prosecution claim was dismissed after Levine’s attorneys failed to object to a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the final charge.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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The Knicks also got their revenge on Wembanyama, who went unpenalized for a malicious, above-the-shoulders shove on Brunson in Game 3.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Still, the simple story — written by Jordan Tannahill, who adapted his own book, and directed by Janicza Bravo — illustrates various destructive choices and cruel actions ostensibly driven by love.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
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Here is the part that feels especially cruel.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Firefighters faced vicious winds and, at times, 30-foot flames.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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During a press conference with the family, Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, said the Anthonys had heard false information, misinformation and experienced hateful attacks.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Resolutions passed on immigration and political violence Later Wednesday, SBC messengers approved a resolutions denouncing political violence and hateful speech.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Yet thieves have found a nasty workaround.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
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The nasty spat culminated in April when Shell agreed to resign as president of Paramount Skydance to concentrate on his legal headache.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spiteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiteful. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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