spite 1 of 2

spite

2 of 2

verb

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 it all, Carrie Soto is back for one epic final season to be remembered. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Still, the hard work is still left to be done in spite of over a decade of dependable service for his national team. Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
In effect, Trump is cutting off America's nose to spite its face, weakening its own economic position while strengthening global competitors. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 In short, don’t be jealous of lovey-dovey couples or parade your relationship all over social media to spite the singles — instead, have an old friend for dinner. Brooke Knisley, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
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
Verb
  • Seiders, 44, is charged with felony child pornography possession, misdemeanor annoying a child under 18, concealing a camera with intent to invade privacy and attempting to conceal a camera.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • What annoyed me was good old-fashioned stupid gameplay.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025
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
Verb
  • Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow was popular enough that fans wanted a solo story, but the studio didn't bother to make it until her character was already dead in the major timeline, then skipped the theatrical release, which Johansson sued them about.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So much so that Gillaspie didn’t bother to even grab a towel last summer when a pitching coach yelled into the visiting showers to alert him that Triple-A El Paso manager Pete Zamora needed to see him.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025
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
Verb
  • This can be particularly irritating to eczema-prone skin.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Pairing some active ingredients can irritate the skin, and other combinations may reduce the effectiveness of the ingredients.1 1.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
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
Verb
  • Aaron Boone said Bellinger’s back started bugging him during Thursday’s game against the Diamondbacks.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Ralph Macchio on the one thing that still bugs him about Karate Kid Part II My Cousin Vinny tells the story of three bombastic Italian-Americans caught up in an over-the-top legal drama.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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