as in cruel
likely to seek revenge
be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street
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Recent Examples of vindictive
Act now — the fund expires before another president takes office — and get your just compensation for the acts of a vindictive government.
—
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Flanagan also directed Comey’s attorneys to file any motions to dismiss and other pretrial challenges by June 5, after defense lawyers previewed plans to argue the case amounts to a selective and vindictive prosecution.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
Their beliefs are not vindictive; they are considered.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Others have criticized the White House for taking a vindictive approach and targeting Democratic states that may have larger Medicaid populations and more lenient eligibility requirements.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vindictive
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Flanagan also directed Comey’s attorneys to file any motions to dismiss and other pretrial challenges by June 5, after defense lawyers previewed plans to argue the case amounts to a selective and vindictive prosecution.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026
Their beliefs are not vindictive; they are considered.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Others have criticized the White House for taking a vindictive approach and targeting Democratic states that may have larger Medicaid populations and more lenient eligibility requirements.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vindictive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindictive
Adjective
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But nothing would have prepared him for this — the death of a beloved first-team player, and in such arbitrary, cruel circumstances.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
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They were joined by actors playing the contestants, who lurched along wearing expressions of exaggerated horror, as though the cruel stakes of the game had just been revealed to them.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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The malicious prosecution claim was dismissed after Levine’s attorneys failed to object to a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the final charge.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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The Knicks also got their revenge on Wembanyama, who went unpenalized for a malicious, above-the-shoulders shove on Brunson in Game 3.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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There also was Carrie Fisher, who hilariously recurred as a vengeful ex of Jake’s who is bent on destroying him — with ever-increasing firepower and futility.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
3 Dec. 2025
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Along the way, he's also got to contend with a vengeful FBI agent and the political aspirations of an old foe now running for governor.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Beyond that coincidence, Coleman grew to appreciate Alexander as a multi-sport star – a standout hurdler in track and a tough defender/vicious dunker in basketball.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
9 Dec. 2025
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Takahashi’s story delights in throwing more and more wrenches in the works with a growing cast of chaotic supporting characters (like the vicious Shampoo and the blowhard Tatewaki Kuno), and the anime adapts their antics as pastel-toned slapstick.—
Kambole Campbell,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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DeMar DeRozan had 32, Russell Westbrook had a revengeful 22 and Malik Monk had 26 off the bench.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Brian Heil played Don Jose with angst and ultimately, revengeful rage as Carmen’s spurned lover.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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During a press conference with the family, Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, said the Anthonys had heard false information, misinformation and experienced hateful attacks.—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Resolutions passed on immigration and political violence Later Wednesday, SBC messengers approved a resolutions denouncing political violence and hateful speech.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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Will he ever be held accountable for his hostile behavior?—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 June 2026
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While some states would be hostile to public university athletes attempts to gain employment recognition, others might be more welcoming.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Wembanyama mired his fundamental greatness by either trying too hard to dominate or exerting his physicality in a petty way.—
Mark Medina,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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Others mention struggling main street shops, potholes and petty crime.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vindictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindictive. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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