ill will

noun

Definition of ill willnext
as in hostility
an unfriendly feeling; a feeling of dislike We bear no ill will toward each other.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ill will differ from other similar words?

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

ill will provoked by a careless remark

Where would grudge be a reasonable alternative to ill will?

Although the words grudge and ill will 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 malevolence a more appropriate choice than ill will?

The synonyms malevolence and ill will are sometimes interchangeable, but malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

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

While the synonyms malice and ill will are close in meaning, 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 ill will?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When can spite be used instead of ill will?

In some situations, the words spite and ill will 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 might spleen be a better fit than ill will?

The meanings of spleen and ill will 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 ill will Meta reportedly used a Republican lobbying firm to spread ill will toward TikTok in 2022. —Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 Kirk Cousins has no ill will in this building toward anybody or with anybody. —Josh Kendall, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 Mangione also faces charges in Pennsylvania, where police said he was captured with a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will toward corporate America on his person. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024 Authorities believe Mangione harbored ill will towards corporate America and the health insurance industry. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ill will
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill will
  1. hostility
  2. malice
  3. grudge
  4. cruelty
Noun
  • Even small shifts can build rapport and defuse hostility.
    — Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Intentionally directing attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians who are not directly taking part in hostilities is considered a war crime under international law.
    — Clarissa Ward, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Jose Ibarra was convicted Nov. 20, 2024 of malice murder, three counts of felony murder and assault with intent to rape, among other charges, in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court.
    — Alexandra Koch, Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Worse than his malice is his neediness, which seems to break through that fourth wall to put its sticky fingers around our throats.
    — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Their motivations included personal grudges, racial hatred and political leanings.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Sparring with the media and holding grudges are features of Donald Trump’s combative personality.
    — Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • On Wednesday morning, David Reid, 28, of Winsted turned himself in at police headquarters and was arrested on an outstanding warrant charging him with one count of cruelty to animals.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Kelly Walker, 29, is charged with child abuse, cruelty to animals and the killing and torture of an animal.
    — Chris Spargo, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of cruelty

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Cite this Entry

“Ill will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill%20will. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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