spleen

noun

ˈsplēn How to pronounce spleen (audio)
Definition of spleennext
1
as in anger
an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something vented her spleen and felt much better for having done so

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm the bill's failure to pass in the legislature was due to nothing more than partisan spleen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spleen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spleen are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spite. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

When is it sensible to use grudge instead of spleen?

Although the words grudge and spleen have much in common, 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 spleen?

The words ill will and spleen can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When can malevolence be used instead of spleen?

While the synonyms malevolence and spleen are close in meaning, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When could malice be used to replace spleen?

The synonyms malice and spleen are sometimes interchangeable, but malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When would malignity be a good substitute for spleen?

The meanings of malignity and spleen largely overlap; however, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of spleen?

The words spite and spleen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

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 spleen This reminds me of the urban legend involving a person who goes to a bar, gets drugged, wakes up, and sees that an internal organ such as a liver or spleen has been removed. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 The spleen is an important organ for fighting meningitis, and so people with lymphoma or sickle cell disease may need a booster. —Melissa Dahl, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2025 The sickle cells were getting stuck in her spleen, placing her in and out of hospital care. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025 This Super Bowl in particular feels like a spear to the spleen of any gridiron-loving American who craves originality and spark and, well, funky fresh helmets. —Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spleen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spleen
  1. anger
  2. malice
  3. indignation
  4. venom
  5. outrage
  6. hatred
  7. rage
  8. spite
Noun
  • Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to …boffo box office!
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The focal point of our anger and pain may not even know we are hurt.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of anger
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
Definition of malice
Noun
  • The Smithsonian, the vast complex of museums that millions of Americans visit every year to see Lincoln’s top hat, the Spirit of St. Louis, Harriet Tubman’s shawl, a moon rock, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, is at the center of the executive order’s indignation.
    — David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
    — Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of indignation
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
Definition of venom
Noun
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field, and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field and the outpouring of outrage and kindness has been overwhelming.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of outrage
Noun
  • While highlighting the vicious cycle of ethnic hatred, Gavin strives for impartiality.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • The year is 2025 and ninjas are once again all the rage.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Seems like podcasts are all the rage these days, so what makes Tracy's any different?
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of rage
Noun
  • In spite of that, Alexander said, intentional misinformation has been circulating that Anthony’s family had bought a new home with the funds raised and was living in luxury.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Hadid, for example, is attractive not because of—but rather in spite of—her eyewear choice.
    — Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of spite

Browse Nearby Words

splays
spleen
splendid
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Cite this Entry

“Spleen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spleen. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of spleen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spleen

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