spite 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīt How to pronounce spite (audio)
Definition of spitenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spite

2 of 2

verb

as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

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

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

The synonyms ill will and spite are sometimes interchangeable, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite 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 spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, 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 spite?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite 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 spite
Noun
In spite of its rich benefits, the moisturizer has a lightweight feel that layers beautifully under makeup. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026 In spite of my aunt’s social work degree and years of experience working with children and young adults, and Lynn’s experience as an educator to children with learning disabilities, their application was rejected. —Hazlitt, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Arundhati began her acceptance speech by addressing him directly, despite—or to spite—the miles and the walls of prisons between them: My greetings to you, Alaa Abd el-Fattah, writer of courage and my fellow awardee. —Margaret Busby june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 The majority, however, attended out of sincere interest and fandom, not to spite the $ome $exy $ongs 4 U artist. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
  1. malice
  2. annoy
  3. venom
  4. bother
  5. hatred
  6. irritate
  7. cruelty
  8. bug
Noun
  • Colt Gray, now 16, has been indicted on 55 felony counts, including four counts of malice murder, and will be tried as an adult, according to court documents.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Nevermind that this is obviously the work of someone acting deliberately, stealthily and with obvious malice – not a drunk stumbling into their homes.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of malice
Verb
  • Betts gazed back with angst, momentarily annoyed with her coach.
    — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The spa There are two swimming pools, one for families (meaning no stress for parents who worry that their children will annoy other guests, and lots of fun for the kids) and one just for adults.
    — Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • Anti-Israel letter writers might want to direct their venom at the brutality that’s going on in Syria at the present time.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Then their own mother turned venom against them, the object of their wounding telling them that the shape of their wounds was never really there.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Definition of venom
Verb
  • Andrew Musgrave crossed the finish line in cross-country skiing today in a tank top, and the cold didn’t seem to bother him one bit.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • My damp clothes didn’t bother either one of us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • Emily Brontë’s novel is a book that stains — its emotions seep through generations, its hatreds metastasize, its love transforms into something unholy and permanent.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Talmud teaches that Jerusalem was destroyed not only because of hatred, but because of sinat chinam, baseless hatred fueled by moral absolutism.
    — Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Both add flavor and hydration with minimal calories, but their acidity can irritate acid reflux and tooth enamel.
    — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Undiluted bleach can leave behind a residue that is toxic to birds and may irritate their eyes and skin.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • One has simply grown so accustomed to his cruelty that, in an episode with so many other people acting on their worst impulses, Stephen stands out for momentarily acting on a good one.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Gray faces 29 charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and multiple counts of second-degree cruelty to children.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • Instead, Ladinig says Pierre Haobsh bugged Henry Han's computer with a spyware app called a keylogger.
    — Natalie Morales, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Harry, along with Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost and others, alleges the publisher hired private investigators to bug their cars, obtain personal records and eavesdrop on calls.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of bug

Phrases Containing spite

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Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spite

Nglish: Translation of spite for Spanish Speakers

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