spite 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīt How to pronounce spite (audio)
Definition of spitenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spite

2 of 2

verb

as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

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

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

The synonyms ill will and spite are sometimes interchangeable, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite 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 spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, 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 spite?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite 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 spite
Noun
Ford moved ahead with the fees in spite of a one-month delay in Trump's broader slate of tariffs on Canada. — Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 For 30 years Koze has made music that captures the feeling of finding happiness in spite of it all, of smiling through a face full of tears, laughing between sobs, and realising that even now, with all that’s happening in the world, there is beauty out there. — Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
Jackson had run partially to spite Crawford and Clay, who opposed his rogue invasion of Spanish Florida in 1818, and siphoned their support in the South and West. — Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2024 And none of this is to spite our great solutions, but to more adeptly connect them with our clearer understanding of the clients’ problems. — Tim Maurer, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
  1. malice
  2. annoy
  3. venom
  4. bother
  5. hatred
  6. irritate
  7. cruelty
  8. bug
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
Verb
  • With Connecticut facing the possibility of exceeding the cap by $61 million, Lamont is reining in spending, annoying some liberal Democrats who note that the state is simultaneously looking at a budget surplus.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Also keeping with that theme are tons of Marvel references to the point that Mara (who starred in 2015’s Fantastic Four) was likely getting annoyed.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of annoy
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
Verb
  • By the end of the day, my T-zone had turned a little bit oily, but honestly, not enough to bother me.
    — Denise Primbet, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The First Amendment’s free speech protection is under siege by the Trump administration and that should bother every American, including Republicans.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Salt grains may be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin types.
    — Susan Bard, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to the on-again, off-again tariffs and the militarization of the border, Trump has irritated Mexico by renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of irritate
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
Verb
  • The movie's famous final scene sees Hackman's character playing the saxophone after his paranoia has led him to destroy his entire apartment to see if it was bugged.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Drew played in our first game and had a good game versus Santa Teresa, but he’s got a shoulder injury that’s been bugging him.
    — Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Definition of bug

Phrases Containing spite

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Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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