ill will

noun

: unfriendly feeling

Choose the Right Synonym for ill will

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress.

malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

Examples of ill will in a Sentence

We bear no ill will toward each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities believe Mangione harbored ill will towards corporate America and the health insurance industry. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Police say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime. —Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024

The slaying of Thompson has gripped the nation as police believe he may have been motivated by ill will towards the health insurance industry. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024

On top of that, the flashback of Bronwyn going to Lisa and John to get advice about her daughter’s potential reconnection proves that Bronwyn no longer has ill will toward Lisa. —Sarah Hagi, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ill will

noun

: unfriendly feeling