malevolence

noun

mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce malevolence (audio)
Definition of malevolencenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun malevolence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of malevolence are grudge, ill will, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When is grudge a more appropriate choice than malevolence?

While in some cases nearly identical to malevolence, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When would ill will be a good substitute for malevolence?

The words ill will and malevolence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When is it sensible to use malice instead of malevolence?

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

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace malevolence?

The meanings of malignity and malevolence largely overlap; however, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spite be a reasonable alternative to malevolence?

In some situations, the words spite and malevolence 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 malevolence?

The synonyms spleen and malevolence are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 malevolence The London Cat, a great skinless feline who likes to turn people inside-out and embodies all the mischief and malevolence of cats). —Christian Holub, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Nicolas Cage went for a high-concept ghoul in Longlegs; Hugh Grant reveled in professorial malevolence in Heretic; Naomi Scott unraveled in the face of grinning death in Smile 2. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024 In the initial months of Donald Trump’s second Administration, the qualities of malevolence, retribution, and bewildering velocity have obscured somewhat the ineptitude of its principals. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 At others, there are undertones of malevolence, potential violence. —Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for malevolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malevolence
  1. malice
  2. venom
  3. hatred
  4. cruelty
Noun
  • This is not someone who is going to kill someone out of malice.
    — Maureen Maher, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • These steps are particularly important when installing extensions or apps from Google, given the much higher incidence of malice being reported over the past decade from its offerings.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Though interesting to look at, the Portuguese man-of-war’s venom can be deadly to small fish and painful to humans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    — Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The venom also contains hemorrhagic toxins which can cause severe internal bleeding and skeletal muscle damage.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of venom
Noun
  • Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • While highlighting the vicious cycle of ethnic hatred, Gavin strives for impartiality.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • There’s a great line: Honesty without compassion equals cruelty.
    — Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In each of these films, cruelty commingles with tenderness, and hideous acts take place against backdrops of often stunning natural beauty.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of cruelty

Browse Nearby Words

males
malevolence
malevolent
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Cite this Entry

“Malevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malevolence. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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