malevolence

noun

mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s How to pronounce malevolence (audio)
Definition of malevolencenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun malevolence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of malevolence are grudge, ill will, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When is grudge a more appropriate choice than malevolence?

While in some cases nearly identical to malevolence, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When would ill will be a good substitute for malevolence?

The words ill will and malevolence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When is it sensible to use malice instead of malevolence?

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

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace malevolence?

The meanings of malignity and malevolence largely overlap; however, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spite be a reasonable alternative to malevolence?

In some situations, the words spite and malevolence 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 malevolence?

The synonyms spleen and malevolence are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 malevolence The London Cat, a great skinless feline who likes to turn people inside-out and embodies all the mischief and malevolence of cats). — Christian Holub, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 The message is the malevolence of AI for the most part. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025 Nicolas Cage went for a high-concept ghoul in Longlegs; Hugh Grant reveled in professorial malevolence in Heretic; Naomi Scott unraveled in the face of grinning death in Smile 2. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024 Eastwood’s story runs on the bedrock of the unimpeachable, confident that there is a definite truth to be discovered about an event such as the killing of Kendall and that only malevolence or incompetence could prevent its discovery. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for malevolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for malevolence
  1. malice
  2. venom
  3. hatred
  4. cruelty
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
  • Its identity can help ensure correct venom is prescribed.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
  • They are known as some of the most dangerous animals in the sea due to their extremely powerful venom, and several people in Australia have died after being bitten by one, according to the Australian Museum.
    — Jack Guy, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of venom
Noun
  • Venerable baby boomer Kevin Bacon plays the titular bounty hunter Hub Halloran, a proud Georgia man with little tolerance for tomfoolery and a hatred of the Red Sox.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Even if those two men didn’t make it out of Europe alive, the unspeakable acts carried out in the name of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich would still live on in infamy, reminding humanity what blind hatred and xenophobia could lead to if a society wasn’t careful.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • 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
  • The whole movie is about the ways that cruelty and injustice become codified.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of cruelty

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Cite this Entry

“Malevolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malevolence. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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