grudge 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grudgenext
1
as in resentment
a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong he's had a grudge against her ever since she snubbed him at the dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will there's been a grudge between the two families for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grudge

2 of 2

verb

as in to dislike

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grudge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grudge are ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is it sensible to use ill will instead of grudge?

The words ill will and grudge 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 could malevolence be used to replace grudge?

Although the words malevolence and grudge 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 grudge?

While the synonyms malice and grudge are close in meaning, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is malignity a more appropriate choice than grudge?

The words malignity and grudge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of grudge?

In some situations, the words spite and grudge are roughly equivalent. However, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When can spleen be used instead of grudge?

The meanings of spleen and grudge 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 grudge
Noun
Particularly in less densely populated parts of America, plenty of government officials and citizens still hold a grudge over the way businesses and schools were temporarily shut down. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025 Twain was both a brilliant writer who exposed America’s hypocrisies with humor and wit, and an angry man who savored revenge, nursed grudges and blamed God for the blows fate rained down on his head. —Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Verb
But the absence of their grudging leader and brightest light exposed differences both fresh and latent, and greed and ego frayed their alliances. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 But when the chance for revenge on Alexus comes, Raina is forced to let her grudge fall to the wayside to prevent her sister — and the entire empire — from being claimed by a bigger enemy. —Alyssa Davis, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
  1. resentment
  2. hostility
  3. dislike
  4. grievance
  5. hatred
  6. refuse
  7. deny
  8. feud
Noun
  • Old resentments simmer, new transgressions come to light, and the titular swimming pool plays a critical, climactic part.
    — Gráinne O'Hara Belluomo, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
  • The relationship between writer and editor is fractious, tender, and ever-changing, with resentments and gratitude sloshing back and forth like a rooftop pool during an earthquake.
    — Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025
Definition of resentment
Noun
  • Over the nearly 20 months since the hostilities began, Colin Clarke said there has been a radicalization effect in the U.S., particularly of the political left.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • Opposition to the war became hostility toward our own military.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Definition of hostility
Verb
  • But many teachers in the state disliked the more regimented approach, and when the funding ended, districts largely transitioned back to the whole language approach.
    — Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Republicans dislike the political climate of universities while Democrats are worried about access and the price of tuition and independents share some concerns of each party.
    — Jeffrey Herbst, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Definition of dislike
Noun
  • Either Paul was calling me with grievances or Emma was updating me with bad news.
    — Matt Wolf, Vulture, 28 May 2025
  • As a result, in each league, dozens of grievances are commenced and resolved each year, typically without any public awareness.
    — Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of grievance
Noun
  • No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.
    — Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025
  • Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
    — Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Wyatt, the senior ace on his way to Michigan, and Walker, the gritty junior second baseman who refused to give up on his dream of starting, paused when trying to wrap their heads around the scene unfolding around them.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
  • However, the end of the conversation was probably the headline – that Amodei refused to rule out AI becoming self-aware in key ways.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • The university in January 2024 denied Tucker’s appeal of the findings.
    — Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • According to officers, the man acknowledged engaging in lewd behavior and taking photos of children but denied touching anyone.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Definition of deny
Noun
  • The on-court feud between the two basketball stars dates back to their time at the college basketball level.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s General Services Administration directed all federal agencies on Tuesday to explore ways to cut remaining contracts with Harvard University – escalating the ongoing feud between the president and the Ivy League school.
    — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2025
Definition of feud

Browse Nearby Words

grubstaking
grudge
grudged
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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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