SPLEEN Synonyms: 147 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

spleen

noun

ˈsplēn

Definition of spleen next

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

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 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 The victim, Joseph Lynskey, suffered a skull fracture, broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. —

Andy Newman, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025 Hunter’s injuries included a ruptured spleen, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, Jackson said. —

Ken Dilanian, NBC News, 2 Jan. 2025 On Friday, November 22nd, in Judge Wiley’s courtroom, as an expert witness spoke to jurors about a photograph of Neely’s spleen, the suspect in the stabbing spree was indicted in another courtroom on the second floor. —

Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spleen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spleen

Noun

Tapping into his own anger helped bring Kelly's character out, Sullivan explains.

— Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Each take, often running over 12 minutes long, captured the rawness of her journey — her anger, her tears, and her vulnerability.

— Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025