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
-
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
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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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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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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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Humankind really leveled-up in the brutality department during WWI, a conflict pitched as a war to end all wars.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
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Also in attendance will be attorney Antonio Romanucci, who has represented high-profile clients alleging police brutality, including against Chicago.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 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
Cite this Entry
“Viciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/viciousness. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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