malevolence

noun

ma·lev·o·lence mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s

Synonyms of malevolence next

: the quality or state of being malevolent

slander that arose from pure malevolence

: malevolent behavior

an era full of selfishness and malevolence

Choose the Right Synonym for malevolence

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress.

malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

Examples of malevolence in a Sentence

only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism

Recent Examples on the Web Nationalist passions surged in both countries from the 1890s onward, as did darker notions of the malevolence of the other. —

Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2024 There is one more way the United States can help stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions—and the rest of the regime’s malevolence. —

Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2023 As the folksy charm of multiple characters wears thin, the novel exposes layers of malevolence and deceit. —

Yvonne Zipp, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Mar. 2024 Butler taps a vein of garish and almost comic malevolence that keeps flowing. —

Dwight Garner, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malevolence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'malevolence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of malevolence was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Malevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malevolence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

malevolence

noun

ma·lev·o·lence mə-ˈlev-ə-lən(t)s

: the quality or state of being malevolent

: malevolent behavior

Last Updated: 29 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences

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malevolence

noun

Synonyms

Examples of malevolence in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near malevolence

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition