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
The Gen Z Perspective In spite of any financial obstacles, Gen Z is committed to homeownership – as well as the sacrifices that may be necessary to achieve this goal. —Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 The most frustrating aspect of this revival is that, in spite of all the decades that have passed in these women's lives, the characters haven't learned. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Verb
To them, the alliance with China is there because of a need to spite the West, not because of any natural cohesion between the two powers. —Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2022 Martha Williams This administration is cutting off our nose to spite our face. —Benji Jones, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 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
  • The 27-year-old was initially charged with malice murder, but it was downgraded to voluntary manslaughter as part of the plea agreement.
    — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Left unguided, students may misuse AI not out of malice, but confusion.
    — Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Definition of malice
Verb
  • The comedy as a second-class sibling to the drama is a notion that has annoyed the people who make television comedies for years.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 June 2025
  • In some cases, that will be obvious: You’ll get annoyed by weird or loud noises and odors, notice your energy bill has skyrocketed, or spot signs of a leak.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2025
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • They are mangled, bottled spiders of venom with humor and cutting, biting Irish lyricism.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
  • Although the snakes prefer to hide or scare away humans, people who get too close may suffer a painful bite carrying venom that can damage muscle tissue and skin.
    — Max Levy, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Definition of venom
Verb
  • Understandably, the online narrative bothered the director as well.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2025
  • This is an arrangement that bothers Kagi's founder.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2025
  • When the topic of Clark came up in discussion, Braun was hopeful that the apparent hatred against Clark, and throughout the association and its fans, could come to an end, while siding with Banks.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump initially tapped to co-lead DOGE, pushed for an expansion of the program as way to attract global talent, irritating immigration hawks in the conservative movement.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Use Insect Repellent to Avoid Bug Bites Stinging, biting, and otherwise irritating bugs are prevalent in summer.
    — Sarah Richards, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • There will always be injustice, cruelty and abuses of power.
    — Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • But by holding the threat of losing access to your grandchildren over you, your kids are showing an unnecessary amount of cruelty to people (you) who don’t deserve it.
    — Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • Say your mother kept bugging you to change a bad habit.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Next season is when all the little things start to bug me.
    — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 21 Mar. 2025
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 18 Jun. 2025.

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