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
Despite high Russian losses, Moscow is not interested in a ceasefire, in spite of Kyiv's willingness to accept such a move, added Murrett, the deputy director at Syracuse University's Institute for Security Policy and Law. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 In spite of affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion policies, disparities persist in access by Black people to capital, markets and other resources. —Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Verb
Critics said their blocking Shaw-Wilder’s nomination was to spite President Joe Biden. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 Booth believed Malone was holding back Pickett and using Nnaji out of position to spite Booth, league sources said. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 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
  • Most action items die from forgetfulness, not malice.
    — Ishaan Agarwal, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The incident was reported on July 11 at Fahey’s home where the two men from New York were arrested on voyeurism with malice, first-degree criminal trespassing and second-degree breach of peace charges.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2025
Definition of malice
Verb
  • That acquisition annoyed shareholders and customers alike, with investors taking issue with the fact that it was structured to avoid a vote.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
  • However, in addition to the controversy over self-grading the results, OpenAI also annoyed the IMO community because its Saturday announcement appears to have violated the embargo agreement with the International Mathematical Olympiad.
    — Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • Though a bite from any rattlesnake is dangerous and should be treated immediately, the Mojave rattlesnake packs one of the most potent venoms with a nasty neurotoxic twist that can affect your nervous system.
    — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
  • Guitarist Tom Bukovac composed a flowing instrumental riff to open the performance, creating a little extra sweetness that helps hide the passive-aggressive venom.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 July 2025
Definition of venom
Verb
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    — Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • Many were subjected to many forms of hatred spawned from these misunderstandings.
    — Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Despite his extensive progressive bona fides, Wertham’s hatred of the comics medium has forever branded him a right-wing zealot in the minds of comic fans.
    — Vasilis K. Pozios, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • It was heard, and irritating, in all places at all times.
    — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025
  • For Wiles and other top aides, winning in the midterms is crucial — more crucial than publicly flaming a lawmaker who has a history of irritating Trump.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • Conversely, Colum, devastated by his disability, has a pension for cruelty.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2025
  • Gurley was charged with with reckless endangerment, aggravated cruelty to animals, arson, torture and injuring an animal.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 30 July 2025
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • That question also bugs the folks at The Utility Reform Network.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 31 July 2025
  • Advertisement Advertisement Code of Silence (BritBox) In this UK drama, police tracking a criminal organization that meets in locations that can’t be bugged recruit a deaf canteen employee, Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), to read suspects’ lips in surveillance videos.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.

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