as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
cut down their neighbors' tree out of sheer spitefulness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spitefulness
Noun
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Jurors decided that Grossman also acted with malice and oppression and Erickson acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026 -
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Even after a jellyfish dies, its tentacles can continue to release venom through microscopic stinging cells.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
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The snake's venom is highly toxic, but its small size reduces the risk of a fatal bite.—
Jack Armstrong,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Monday showed why the Middle East’s generational hatreds are so often treacherous for American presidents.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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More deeply, San Diego’s Muslims have been puzzling over the roots of the hatred that sent two young men into a holy place with the intent to commit mass murder.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Noun
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To make the musical masterpiece of his dreams, Lestat will have to break on through his shell of witty cruelty and hope an authentic soul remains intact beneath it.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
2 June 2026
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She was arrested at a hotel near the barn and booked at the Clark County Juvenile Hall on 12 counts of animal cruelty, including intentionally aiming or torturing a horse, as well as three counts of malicious destruction of property.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Noun
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The Royals expressed confidence in Erceg in spite of his recent run of subpar performances.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2026
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In spite of the cool winter chinch bugs are feeding in Augustine lawns; treat when noticed.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Spitefulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spitefulness. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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