spleen

noun

ˈsplēn How to pronounce spleen (audio)
Definition of spleennext
1
as in anger
an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something vented her spleen and felt much better for having done so

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm the bill's failure to pass in the legislature was due to nothing more than partisan spleen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spleen differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spleen are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spite. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

When is it sensible to use grudge instead of spleen?

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

The words ill will and spleen 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 can malevolence be used instead of spleen?

While the synonyms malevolence and spleen are close in meaning, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When could malice be used to replace spleen?

The synonyms malice and spleen are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 spleen?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of spleen?

The words spite and spleen are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

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 spleen He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where for a week he was treated for four broken ribs, a fractured skull, concussion and ruptured spleen. —Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2025 The wave of prions slowly accumulates, spreading through the spleen and the lymph nodes and through the peripheral nervous system into the central nervous system. —Sophie Hartley, Scientific American, 10 Jan. 2025 Andrew lost a few ribs, his spleen, and half a lung, and is lucky to be alive. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025 Elder told the outlet those who sought medical attention at UMC had injuries ranging from severe head injuries and lacerated spleens to bullet grazes and multiple broken bones. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spleen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spleen
  1. anger
  2. malice
  3. indignation
  4. venom
  5. outrage
  6. hatred
  7. rage
  8. spite
Noun
  • During last year’s presidential campaign, a roadside billboard in Miami that drew comparisons between Trump and dictators like Fidel Castro drew anger from supporters of the president.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sleep deprivation hampers your ability to deal with job stress and can unleash anger during your workday.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of anger
Noun
  • Developing skepticism means questioning information sources and intentions without assuming malice.
    — Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The page, which remained available at the time this post went live on Ars, has no reports of malice on Virus Total.
    — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Newcastle United fans will be used to the fact that they aren’t allowed to enjoy these occasions before sports journalists’ chin-stroking moral indignation takes hold.
    — Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The Baldwins shame him, but their righteous indignation feels insincere considering Baldwin wasn’t using her name in that footage with detectives.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of indignation
Noun
  • Frog venom originated in Mexico and South America and is commonly used for ritual purposes.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Bioactive compounds in the venom of related species have contributed to medical advancements, including pain treatments.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of venom
Noun
  • The National Parks Service has restored the original Harriet Tubman material featured on a webpage about the Underground Railroad after garnering outrage over its removal.
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Video of the incident quickly circulated online and sparked outrage, with family members and neighbors questioning why police did not do more to de-escalate the situation or use non-lethal weapons.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of outrage
Noun
  • That ecstatic communal experience is a glorious moment of freedom for oppressed people, most of them living hand-to-mouth in an environment of hatred and exploitation.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • Male rage, particularly on display in parts of the manosphere, has been steadily rising.
    — Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Also, the trade war rages, and there were mass firings at key scientific agencies.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of rage
Noun
  • Much has been made of Maldonado making the team for his defense and in spite of his offense.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The ecosystem remains unstable in spite of investments and the introduction of new tools.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of spite

Browse Nearby Words

splays
spleen
splendid
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Cite this Entry

“Spleen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spleen. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of spleen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spleen

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