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 the strength of the domestic box office, the Country of Honor focus, backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry and Japan External Trade Organization, chimes in with an increasingly international outlook across the Japanese film industry. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026 Being able to work with anyone, get things done in the face of adversity and accomplish the task at hand, in spite of naysayers, road blockers and opponents. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Verb
Far less persuasive are the uses of spontaneous modern dance sequences, whether in the flashback montages, or when Josie suddenly dances forcefully first to spite her mother whilst arguing in her studio, and later in a reconciliation scene. —David Katz, IndieWire, 16 Feb. 2026 Advertisement Back home, Khan’s political opponents, all of them escapees of the same jail where Khan resides, have cut their noses to spite his handsome face. —Mohammed Hanif, Time, 1 Dec. 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
  • In June 2024, Bryant was found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, kidnapping and misdemeanor false report of a crime.
    — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
  • Actual malice is the legal standard by which courts determine if someone is liable for libel.
    — Keely Bastow, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of malice
Verb
  • That’s what so annoys Erika at some point.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
  • But if creases annoy you, look elsewhere.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • When picturing a predator, most people envision an animal with immense speed, sharp teeth or deadly venom.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
  • Some people have an allergic reaction to the venom.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 May 2026
Definition of venom
Verb
  • Now the dog is back to bothering her brother and showing off her sassy personality.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • This is a nakedly partisan power grab, and state officials haven’t really bothered to deny it.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • The Soros’ announcement did not say how the foundations will define antisemitism — a point of contention on college campuses and in state legislatures where debates have raged over whether criticism of Israel amounts to hatred of Jewish people.
    — James Pollard, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • The movie thus offers a complaint about the end results of Putinism, not about the ideas—the emotions, the enthusiasms, the resentments, the hatreds—that brought it about.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Elsa’s inquisitive presence almost instantly irritates Amalia, as the latter refuses to simply acquiesce to her relentless quizzing.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
  • Apply Essential Oils at Entry Points Essential oils such as lavender, citrus, peppermint, and eucalyptus irritate crickets' sensory organs, McHale says.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • That’s one of the great cruelties of the world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • The movie, set in Spain in 1944, is both an intoxicating work of fantasy and a grim parable of political rebellion, and its insights into the cruelties and vulnerabilities of fascist power remain undimmed.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Although pest control companies offer lethal solutions such as carpenter bee traps or chemical treatments, the best way to keep carpenter bees from bugging you is using stained, sealed, varnished or treated wood in building projects.
    — Sarah Linn April 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 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 21 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spite

Nglish: Translation of spite for Spanish Speakers

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