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
Relevance
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for viciousness
Noun
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Actual malice means a reporter or press outlet knew their story was false or else acted with reckless disregard for the truth.—
Stephanie A,
The Conversation,
4 Aug. 2025 -
Betrayal beyond one’s control may involve situations like forgetting an important date due to stress or feeling overwhelmed, hurting others’ feelings unintentionally by making careless comments or blunders made out of misunderstanding rather than malice.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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The driver was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of DUI and two counts of willful cruelty to a child.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Norwalk police on April 22 arrested her on one count of animal cruelty, records show.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Common in deserts across central and southern Arizona and known for its docile nature, its venom is mild, comparable to a bee sting, and bites are rare.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
4 Aug. 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,
31 July 2025
Noun
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The spectacle was carried out with breathtaking emptiness, revealing American values while glorifying Putin’s brutality.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The city has previously denied using tows to make money and has denied claims that Furman was engaged in police brutality, noting he was investigated by Michigan State Police in one incident but cleared.—
Tresa Baldas,
Freep.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Republican Party has nothing positive to say about any person, place or thing that Trump disparages in his rants of hatred.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Aug. 2025
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However, Kelly’s hatred towards Beyoncé is well-documented and the singer’s fans have noticed.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Viciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/viciousness. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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