1
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
simple viciousness can be the only reason for spreading such vile, unfounded rumors
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others
the unspeakable viciousness of some dictators in the past
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of viciousness
The expediency of their exchanges (back and forth over a couple of weeks) electrified the planet, especially the mounting viciousness of Lamar’s attack (ad hominem all the way).
—
New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The horror has come now like a storm— what if this night prefigured the night after death— what if all thereafter was an eternal quivering on the edge of an abyss, with everything base and vicious in oneself urging one forward and the baseness and viciousness of the world just ahead.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
But this candid and absorbing memoir is also a stark reminder of the corruptions of power, the uncertainties of revolution and the frequent viciousness of human nature.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Down 14 points with 30 seconds left, the viciousness of the hit seemed more about injuring than winning a game that was already settled.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
The casual viciousness of children is the centerpiece of the film, which has triggered audiences who grew up in the same era as Polinger.
—William Earl, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Hinkey finds both viciousness and vulnerability within Red Feather, crafting, through his fierce physicality and long, unblinking gazes, a man aware of the world steadily leaving him behind.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The movie’s grand centerpiece is a dinner party where Theo and Ivy go at each other with such viciousness that their guests can only stand by and watch, aghast.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
The horror has come now like a storm— what if this night prefigured the night after death— what if all thereafter was an eternal quivering on the edge of an abyss, with everything base and vicious in oneself urging one forward and the baseness and viciousness of the world just ahead.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
But this candid and absorbing memoir is also a stark reminder of the corruptions of power, the uncertainties of revolution and the frequent viciousness of human nature.
—Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Down 14 points with 30 seconds left, the viciousness of the hit seemed more about injuring than winning a game that was already settled.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
The casual viciousness of children is the centerpiece of the film, which has triggered audiences who grew up in the same era as Polinger.
—William Earl, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025
Hinkey finds both viciousness and vulnerability within Red Feather, crafting, through his fierce physicality and long, unblinking gazes, a man aware of the world steadily leaving him behind.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The movie’s grand centerpiece is a dinner party where Theo and Ivy go at each other with such viciousness that their guests can only stand by and watch, aghast.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for viciousness
Noun
-
In June 2024, Bryant was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping and misdemeanor false report of a crime.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
-
Actual malice is the legal standard by which courts determine if someone is liable for libel.—
Keely Bastow,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That’s one of the great cruelties of the world.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
The movie, set in Spain in 1944, is both an intoxicating work of fantasy and a grim parable of political rebellion, and its insights into the cruelties and vulnerabilities of fascist power remain undimmed.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
When picturing a predator, most people envision an animal with immense speed, sharp teeth or deadly venom.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2026
-
Some people have an allergic reaction to the venom.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
But no matter the brutality, Allin was able to withstand it all.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
The brutality of Butcher (Karl Urban) comes under the spotlight again, the episode questioning if the ends really justify the means—killing Homelander might complete Butcher’s transformation into a monster.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The Soros’ announcement did not say how the foundations will define antisemitism — a point of contention on college campuses and in state legislatures where debates have raged over whether criticism of Israel amounts to hatred of Jewish people.—
James Pollard,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
-
The movie thus offers a complaint about the end results of Putinism, not about the ideas—the emotions, the enthusiasms, the resentments, the hatreds—that brought it about.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Viciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/viciousness. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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