malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt 
1
: tending to produce death or deterioration
malignant malaria
2
a
: evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious
a powerful and malignant influence
b
: passionately and relentlessly malevolent : aggressively malicious
the malignant tongues of gossipers
c
obsolete
: malcontent, disaffected
malignantly
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of malignant in a Sentence
a highly malignant form of cancer
a powerful and malignant influence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the writer-director’s latest horror flick, The Monkey, there is no malignant apparition, and death doesn’t lurk or stalk.
—
Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
As per Healthline, patches or ulcers may indicate abnormal cell growth, which can develop into malignant tumors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
What could this be other than a symbolic vanquishing of Mexico—a malignant force in Trump’s cosmology—without having to do more than change one word?
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025
Indeed, the technology is transforming so quickly that organizations may not even recognize potential threats or vulnerabilities until they are exposed in a malignant fashion.
—Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malignant 
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Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
As per Healthline, patches or ulcers may indicate abnormal cell growth, which can develop into malignant tumors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
What could this be other than a symbolic vanquishing of Mexico—a malignant force in Trump’s cosmology—without having to do more than change one word?
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025
Indeed, the technology is transforming so quickly that organizations may not even recognize potential threats or vulnerabilities until they are exposed in a malignant fashion.
—Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for malignant
Dictionary Entries Near malignant
Cite this Entry
“Malignant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malignant. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt
1
: evil in influence or effect : injurious
3
: tending to produce death
malignant tumors
malignantly
adverb
Medical Definition
malignant
adjective
ma·lig·nant
mə-ˈlig-nənt
1
: tending to produce death or deterioration
malignant malaria
especially
: tending to infiltrate, metastasize, and terminate fatally
malignant tumors
compare benign sense 1
2
: of unfavorable prognosis : not responding favorably to treatment
psychotic reactions with a malignant trend
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