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

Her reasons for taking the throne have become more personal, more vindictive. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Several prosecutors who played a role in the Broadview Six case have hired attorneys amid potential claims of vindictive prosecution and cover-up. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

Harris has taken the religious patina of Alice Walker’s tale—most chiefly the Christian God, to whom Celie writes her heartsick journal entries after she is separated from her beloved sister, Nettie, by the monstrous Pa and the vindictive Mister—and dirties it, wisely. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Unfortunately, most divorces are messy, especially when one party is vindictive. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026