1
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
simple viciousness can be the only reason for spreading such vile, unfounded rumors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cruelty
disposition to willfully inflict pain and suffering on others
the unspeakable viciousness of some dictators in the past
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for viciousness
Noun
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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
Noun
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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
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The whole movie is about the ways that cruelty and injustice become codified.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Its identity can help ensure correct venom is prescribed.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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This new process was driven by high-profile national incidents of police brutality, including the slaying of teenager Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer.—
Forrest Claypool,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
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The mural near the White House went up in summer 2020 to protest police brutality and as a rebuke to President Trump in his first term.—
Cuneyt Dil,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Viciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/viciousness. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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