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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for viciousness
Noun
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The charges included one count of malice murder and one count of felony murder; three counts of cruelty to children in the first degree; three counts of false imprisonment; three counts of contributing to the dependency of a minor; and three counts of kidnapping.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
19 June 2025 -
The suit, filed this week in Dallas County District court, accuses Gateway Church founder Robert Morris and others of libel, malice, defamation, slander, failure to report, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and unjust enrichment.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2025
Noun
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Perhaps the surprise return of Egghead Vance will turn it into symbol of resistance, seen at every demonstration against the cruelties and greed of the Trump machine.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
25 June 2025
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Other laws set to take effect on July 1 in Florida include House Bill 255, establishing harsher penalties for animal cruelty, and House Bill 653, setting new aggravating factors when determining whether someone convicted of a capital felony should receive the death penalty.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that the venom from one cone snail has the potential to kill up to 700 people.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
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But for some, the venom may cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, fainting and skin reactions.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 June 2025
Noun
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Pellegrino does get into the brutality of the Japanese forces.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
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Helton and Daniels said history lessons in school often don’t tell the whole story, including the brutality of slavery.—
Deborah Barfield Berry,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Noun
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There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
19 June 2025
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Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
16 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Viciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/viciousness. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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