VINDICTIVENESS Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

vindictiveness

noun

Definition of vindictiveness

as in hatred

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of vindictiveness Last month, Judge Crenshaw concluded that while there was insufficient evidence to prove actual vindictiveness, the government could not justify its sudden shift from wanting to deport Abrego Garcia to prosecuting him. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 22 June 2026 In less capable hands, her bitchiness, her vanity, her vindictiveness would have made her one-dimensional. — Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 Benching him on Thursday wouldn’t have been an act of vindictiveness, just as playing him wasn’t an act of mercy. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 May 2026 The line between law enforcement and partisan vindictiveness can also become muddied. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 When circumstances create a realistic likelihood of vindictiveness, the burden shifts to the government to justify its conduct. — Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 Johnson says Comey may be able to argue that he is being prosecuted out of vindictiveness, given the president's remarks. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025 So there’s a feeling of vindictiveness and petulance that’s in there, but there’s also a practicality to it, too. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindictiveness

Noun

The defense kept prodding James to tell more about the Compton gang war, the hatred between both sides, what really happened on that night in Las Vegas.

— Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of hatred

Noun

Firefighters and authorities in both European countries were caught off guard by the virulence of the fires, which were fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The virulence of the French and Spanish wildfires, fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change, caught fire crews and authorities off guard.

— Mark Carlson, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Definition of virulence

Noun

During the third quarter of the game, Freedom stood and raised his arms in celebration of a three-pointer made by Sophie Cunningham, the Fever star who has also received vitriol for her stance on biological men participating in women’s sports.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Between these encounters Faye deals with vitriol from her cranky downstairs neighbors.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of vitriol

Noun

The forensic expert starts to piece together the young men’s relationship and the circumstances that brought them to that fateful day, revealing a story shaped by abuse, homophobia, social alienation and despair.

— Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Benegal argues the character’s alienation was never really about the West.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of alienation

Noun

Advanced robotics and a rapid rollout of AI should counter the shrinking workforce, while creating enough new jobs to keep youth disaffection at bay.

— Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Their disaffection can create a culture of hopelessness and emotional stasis that lasts well past any economic recovery.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disaffection

Browse Nearby Words

vindictively

vindictiveness

vinegar

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“Vindictiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindictiveness. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of vindictiveness

noun

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