spleen

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spleen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spleen are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spite. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

When is it sensible to use grudge instead of spleen?

Although the words grudge and spleen have much in common, 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 spleen?

The words ill will and spleen can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When can malevolence be used instead of spleen?

While the synonyms malevolence and spleen are close in meaning, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When could malice be used to replace spleen?

The synonyms malice and spleen are sometimes interchangeable, but malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When would malignity be a good substitute for spleen?

The meanings of malignity and spleen largely overlap; however, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of spleen?

The words spite and spleen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

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 spleen Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body. Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025 People with sickle cell disease are vulnerable because their spleens often don't clean blood as well as in a healthy person. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 28 May 2025 It’s often considered non-essential as many people live healthy lives without their spleen, if it was removed after injury or illness. Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025 Typically, the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen of the animal were roasted over the altar fire and consumed by participants then and there. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spleen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spleen
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, in 2019, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Measure W was causing dread and anger among property owners.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • He’s allowed to feel the frustration and anger at them.
    Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Beneath the inevitable finger-pointing and politicizing, there is often a genuine, even desperate, human impulse to find fault not out of malice, but out of mourning and a desire to find solutions.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • To hunt a predator feels like an act of malice, of dominance, of ego.
    Helen Whybrow July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Claiming persecution becomes more believable when it is coupled with the righteous indignation of the wronged.
    Lubna Zeidan, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Some Trump allies have expressed skepticism — and at times outright indignation — at the idea of the U.S. involved in another conflict in the Middle East, while others have offered wholehearted support.
    Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Woman screams as snake attacks—dog jumps in and takes the venom for her The video highlighted the canine parents, with viewers instantly falling in love with the unique puppies.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • Do not attempt to suck out venom: This is not effective and can cause further damage to the wound.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Guzman-Feliz’s death sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with the hashtag #JusticeForJunior gaining traction across social media and prompting citywide demonstrations and tributes.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 June 2025
  • Although the men have reached the legal age of consent, outrage has ensued.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • It's been very difficult to see just how much of this hatred has been normalized.
    Leila Fadel, NPR, 1 July 2025
  • Period drama enthusiasts will be interested to know that Wright set the movie in the late-18th century instead of the early-19th century in part because of his hatred of empire waist dresses.
    Lia Beck, EW.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Emotionally intelligent people don't unleash their rage like this.
    Juli Fraga, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • In rage and disbelief, Gi-hun mourned the death of his friend and wailed with grief as masked soldiers apprehended him.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • In spite of SSDs capturing market share due to speed and efficiency, their higher cost per terabyte continues to make HDDs indispensable for large-scale storage.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • However, that’s the extent of its meta-textual prowess, in spite of its ceaseless references to Tarantino.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spleen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spleen. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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