ill will

noun

Definition of ill willnext
as in hostility
an unfriendly feeling; a feeling of dislike We bear no ill will toward each other.

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How does the noun ill will differ from other similar words?

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

ill will provoked by a careless remark

Where would grudge be a reasonable alternative to ill will?

Although the words grudge and ill will have much in common, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is malevolence a more appropriate choice than ill will?

The synonyms malevolence and ill will are sometimes interchangeable, but malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

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

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

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When would malignity be a good substitute for ill will?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When can spite be used instead of ill will?

In some situations, the words spite and ill will 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 might spleen be a better fit than ill will?

The meanings of spleen and ill will 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 ill will That Cassie didn’t have enough ill will toward him to be a victim. —Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 16 May 2025 Cynthia Jones, president of the North Carolina chapter of the Community Associations Institute, said most HOA board members are hard-working volunteers who bear no ill will toward their neighbors. —Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025 Authorities say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 Taunting, baiting, disrespecting opponents and officials, and other actions that may engender ill will between teams have no place in our game. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ill will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill will
  1. hostility
  2. malice
  3. grudge
  4. cruelty
Noun
  • Without an end to hostilities, no humanitarian corridor can function safely, Palestinian civilians cannot be reached at scale and the hostages will not return home.
    — David Miliband, Time, 29 July 2025
  • On Sunday Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for a swift end to hostilities.
    — Kate Bartlett, NPR, 28 July 2025
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Most action items die from forgetfulness, not malice.
    — Ishaan Agarwal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The incident was reported on July 11 at Fahey’s home where the two men from New York were arrested on voyeurism with malice, first-degree criminal trespassing and second-degree breach of peace charges.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025
Definition of malice
Noun
  • However, in my view, holding grudges is mentally and emotionally draining and doesn’t help resolve the issue or move forward.
    — Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Two people from families who hold grudges against each other fall in love and die for each other.
    — H. Jiahong Pan, Twin Cities, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • Conversely, Colum, devastated by his disability, has a pension for cruelty.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
  • Not to spoil anything, but the message is that the only cure for cruelty is not revenge, but decency.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025
Definition of cruelty

Browse Nearby Words

illustriousness
ill will
ill-wisher
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Cite this Entry

“Ill will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill%20will. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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