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 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 Police say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 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
  • The Russian foreign policy establishment always speculated that Europe would be most likely to eventually seek rapprochement with Moscow, while U.S. hostility to Russia was thought to be hard-wired.
    — Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Guy Pearce is an antagonistic delight wielding passive-aggressive hostility as the main character’s benefactor, and Felicity Jones, as the architect’s loyal wife, is the heart of the piece who steps up when her spouse can’t.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • There are plenty of GMs out there who try to emulate Lamoriello as far as trying to keep any news from leaking or keeping a close watch on what’s posted on social media, but the difference with Lou is that his rules are not enforced with malice or high emotion.
    — Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • To a degree surprising for those who think of the Trump administration as a mere composite of malice, nihilism, and chaos, its Ukraine policy seems orchestrated, with three big pieces dropping yesterday alone.
    — Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of malice
Noun
  • And again to be blunt, filmmakers and studio execs also maintain feelings and grudges that spill over into and onto fans and press on either side.
    — Mark Hughes, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Another mentioned a different kind of bias potentially at play: the grudge theatrical stalwarts still hold against Netflix.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • The whole movie is about the ways that cruelty and injustice become codified.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Matthew has been charged with first-degree murder, as well as related weapons possession and animal cruelty charges.
    — Laura Barcella, People.com, 7 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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