vindictive
adjective
vin·dic·tive
vin-ˈdik-tiv 
2
: intended to cause anguish or hurt : spiteful
vindictively
adverb
vindictiveness
noun
Examples of vindictive in a Sentence
Well, maybe actually waging vendettas is a bad idea, but to be known for your vindictiveness can be a great advantage, for then people will take care not to cross you. And maybe the surest way of acquiring a reputation for vindictiveness is actually to be vindictive.
—
David Papineau, New York Times Book Review, 11 May 1997
And though his [John Simon's] caustic wit can sometimes sound more personally vindictive than objectively critical, it allows him to plow through a lot of literary pretentiousness.
—Andrea Barnet, New York Times Book Review, 19 Mar. 1989
The bear, seen in many aspects as humanlike, was subject to ambivalent attitudes: mainly, he was seen as a stand-in for benevolent supernaturals, but sometimes also as a dangerous and at times a vindictive and harmful one.
—William W. Fitzhugh & Aron Crowell, Crossroads of Continents, 1988
A machine gun lashed at him from across the river. … In the darkness, it spat a vindictive white light like an acetylene torch, and its sound was terrifying.
—Norman Mailer, The Naked and the Dead, 1948
In observing so long a silence I have been influenced much more by a vindictive purpose,—a purpose to punish you for your suspicion that I could possibly feel myself hurt or offended by any critical suggestion of yours …
—William Cowper 26 Feb. 1791,
in William Cowper's Letters, Edward Verrall Lucas, editor, 1924
It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.
—W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919
be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street
David Papineau, New York Times Book Review, 11 May 1997
And though his [John Simon's] caustic wit can sometimes sound more personally vindictive than objectively critical, it allows him to plow through a lot of literary pretentiousness.
—Andrea Barnet, New York Times Book Review, 19 Mar. 1989
The bear, seen in many aspects as humanlike, was subject to ambivalent attitudes: mainly, he was seen as a stand-in for benevolent supernaturals, but sometimes also as a dangerous and at times a vindictive and harmful one.
—William W. Fitzhugh & Aron Crowell, Crossroads of Continents, 1988
A machine gun lashed at him from across the river. … In the darkness, it spat a vindictive white light like an acetylene torch, and its sound was terrifying.
—Norman Mailer, The Naked and the Dead, 1948
In observing so long a silence I have been influenced much more by a vindictive purpose,—a purpose to punish you for your suspicion that I could possibly feel myself hurt or offended by any critical suggestion of yours …
—William Cowper 26 Feb. 1791,
in William Cowper's Letters, Edward Verrall Lucas, editor, 1924
It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.
—W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919
be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street
Recent Examples on the Web
Not in a vindictive way at all, but just in a sense of, like, fuel to my fire.
—Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
Woodward conceded to Cannon that there was insufficient evidence to dismiss the indictment on grounds of vindictive prosecution.
—Eric Tucker, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2024
And if one of the two people who could be president is both vindictive and susceptible to flattery — and in charge of appointing people who decide how to spend billions in federal contracts — why not butter him up a little bit?
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 31 Oct. 2024
The Greek gods are famous for their uncontrollable lust, and amusingly petty, vindictive punishments inflicted on those unfortunate enough to insult them.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vindictive 
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Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
Woodward conceded to Cannon that there was insufficient evidence to dismiss the indictment on grounds of vindictive prosecution.
—Eric Tucker, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2024
And if one of the two people who could be president is both vindictive and susceptible to flattery — and in charge of appointing people who decide how to spend billions in federal contracts — why not butter him up a little bit?
—Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 31 Oct. 2024
The Greek gods are famous for their uncontrollable lust, and amusingly petty, vindictive punishments inflicted on those unfortunate enough to insult them.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vindictive
Dictionary Entries Near vindictive
Cite this Entry
“Vindictive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vindictive. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vindictive
adjective
vin·dic·tive
vin-ˈdik-tiv
1
: likely to seek revenge
a vindictive person
2
: intended to cause pain or anguish : spiteful
vindictive remarks
vindictively
adverb
vindictiveness
noun
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