grudge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grudgenext
1
as in resentment
a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong he's had a grudge against her ever since she snubbed him at the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will there's been a grudge between the two families for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grudge

2 of 2

verb

as in to dislike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grudge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grudge are ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is it sensible to use ill will instead of grudge?

The words ill will and grudge can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When could malevolence be used to replace grudge?

Although the words malevolence and grudge have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than grudge?

While the synonyms malice and grudge are close in meaning, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is malignity a more appropriate choice than grudge?

The words malignity and grudge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of grudge?

In some situations, the words spite and grudge are roughly equivalent. However, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When can spleen be used instead of grudge?

The meanings of spleen and grudge largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

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 grudge
Noun
Particularly in less densely populated parts of America, plenty of government officials and citizens still hold a grudge over the way businesses and schools were temporarily shut down. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025 Twain was both a brilliant writer who exposed America’s hypocrisies with humor and wit, and an angry man who savored revenge, nursed grudges and blamed God for the blows fate rained down on his head. —Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
But the absence of their grudging leader and brightest light exposed differences both fresh and latent, and greed and ego frayed their alliances. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 But when the chance for revenge on Alexus comes, Raina is forced to let her grudge fall to the wayside to prevent her sister — and the entire empire — from being claimed by a bigger enemy. —Alyssa Davis, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
  1. resentment
  2. hostility
  3. dislike
  4. grievance
  5. hatred
  6. refuse
  7. deny
  8. feud
Noun
  • This case isn’t grounded in facts or law; it’s fueled by resentment.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • No one wants to carry bad vibes and resentment around anymore, so the energy will be pleasant and fortuitous.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 10 June 2025
Definition of resentment
Noun
  • The hostility of the state intensified with the BBC's 100 Women list, and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
    — Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
  • The hostilities began when Trump lashed out at Musk's criticism of the Republican tax-cut and spending bill, and quickly escalated into an all-out online brawl on Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X, with prominent businessmen, analysts and political names weighing in on the fight.
    — Anniek Bao,Dylan Butts,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Definition of hostility
Verb
  • Here are six seemingly polite habits that party hosts actually dislike.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
  • Some people dislike the white residue that remains on the skin for a while after applying liquid forms of sunscreen.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
Definition of dislike
Noun
  • No grievance, real or imagined, can ever justify harming innocent lives.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • His abrasive style eventually wore thin — the kids were grown up with kids of their own and no longer needed browbeating and grievances aired in press conferences.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
Definition of grievance
Noun
  • But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2025
  • When the topic of Clark came up in discussion, Braun was hopeful that the apparent hatred against Clark, and throughout the association and its fans, could come to an end, while siding with Banks.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Paul was severely ill, so he was excused from appearing, but Vladimir was taken away by the Bolsheviks after refusing to renounce his father.
    — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025
  • The Mullahs in Tehran refused to dismantle their nuclear program.
    — Anna Commander Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • According to officers, the man acknowledged engaging in lewd behavior and taking photos of children but denied touching anyone.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • The university in January 2024 denied Tucker’s appeal of the findings.
    — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Definition of deny
Noun
  • President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s clash over the deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles has escalated a longstanding feud between the two to new heights—and may be setting the stage for a bigger political battle come 2028.
    — Solcyré Burga, Time, 12 June 2025
  • A week ago, a feud between Musk and the president erupted seemingly over a massive tax cuts bill the White House is pushing.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025
Definition of feud

Browse Nearby Words

grubstaking
grudge
grudged
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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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