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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Example Sentences
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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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Still, the simple story — written by Jordan Tannahill, who adapted his own book, and directed by Janicza Bravo — illustrates various destructive choices and cruel actions ostensibly driven by love.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
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Here is the part that feels especially cruel.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
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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According to prosecutors' opening statements June 10, the wildfire that ravaged Los Angeles' affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood was part of a vengeful plot from a man who resented the wealthy.—
Swasti Singhai,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
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He’s unexpectedly visited by Little John (Bill Skarsgård), once one of his underage criminal accomplices, and asked to help defend the younger man’s family and homestead from vengeful past foes.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Firefighters faced vicious winds and, at times, 30-foot flames.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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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Many Christians seek to keep a hostile world at bay by discouraging inquiry and critical thinking, by empowering theological enforcers, and by drawing narrow doctrinal boundaries.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
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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His girlfriend was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and petty criminal mischief.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vindictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindictive. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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