Synonyms of vindictive

vindictive

adjective

vin-ˈdik-tiv 

as in cruel

likely to seek revenge

be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cruel
• malicious
• vengeful
• vicious
• revengeful
• hateful
• hostile
• petty
• mean
• harsh
• nasty
• spiteful
• relentless
• merciless
• venomous
• retaliatory
• resentful
• malignant
• sadistic
• malevolent
• evil
• unforgiving
• uncharitable
• avenging
• virulent
• malign
• pitiless
• implacable
• grim
• unrelenting
• wrathful
• despiteful
• baneful
• catty
• narrow-minded
• inimical
• small-minded
• baleful
• viperish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• charitable
• merciful
• benevolent
• benign
• forgiving
• loving
• sympathetic
• compassionate
• good
• kind
• warm
• kindly
• altruistic
• brotherly
• humane
• sweet
• humanitarian
• philanthropic
• benignant
• relenting
• kindhearted
• good-hearted
• noble
• warmhearted
• magnanimous
• tender
• tenderhearted
• high-minded

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vindictive

They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Circe the feminist But this version of Circe – angry, vindictive and, yes, witchy – didn’t appear out of thin air. — Bailey Sincox, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

The investigation of James Comey is vindictive and meritless—and unashamedly so. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Condor, Newton and Hiraga do their best to make Max’s actions believable, but her stubborn stupidity eventually requires more suspension of belief than a highly vindictive shark prowling a freshwater cave right next to the ocean. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026