vengeful

adjective

venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
: revengeful: such as
a
: seeking to avenge
b
: serving to gain vengeance
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

Examples of vengeful in a Sentence

The robbery was committed by a vengeful former employee. The fire was a vengeful act of destruction.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For his efforts, he’s captured by the vengeful Yellowjackets. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025 With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025 Or vengeful Lucius in the recent Hollywood spectacle Gladiator II. Kate Lloyd, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2025 But in Episode 6, Madison enters the pods on a mission for a vengeful takedown of this wholesome man, seemingly for no reason at all. Claire Franken, TVLine, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vengeful

Word History

Etymology

venge + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vengeful was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Vengeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vengeful. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

vengeful

adjective
venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
: wanting revenge
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on vengeful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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