as in hatefully
in a mean or spiteful manner
the robber villainously snatched the necklace from the old woman's throat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for villainously
Adverb
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In other words, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.—
Derek Robertson,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adverb
-
That language is weaponized so maliciously throughout Aïnouz’s second English-language feature speaks to his intent to unnerve the audience relentlessly.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
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Patel’s complaint alleges he was maliciously prosecuted and deprived of due process.—
Shaddi Abusaid,
AJC.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
The ultra-chic crewneck sweater has a slightly oversized fit that’s perfect for cozying up on a long-haul flight and or layering with a turtleneck on bitterly cold winter days.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Not bitterly, not hysterically—openly, with the sound of someone arriving at a recognition both painful and clarifying.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
And so wickedly smart to call it.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
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And so wickedly smart to call it.—
Safiyah Riddle,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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One kind of viciously efficient profit motive was seeking the destruction of a somewhat different business mode.—
Scott Eden,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
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For many, qualifying will represent the fruition of a lifelong, viciously competitive goal.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Images of Labubus beamed malevolently from their packaging, as if gloating in their unreachability.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
20 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Villainously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/villainously. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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