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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.
malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.
ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.
spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.
malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.
spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.
grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.
Examples of ill will in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ill will.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ill will
Cite this Entry
“Ill will.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ill%20will. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
ill will
noun
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