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

Despite the ill will, all the factions within the regime engage in self-control, recognizing that a breakdown in political order could bring about the end of the Islamic Republic altogether. —Alex Vatanka, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2017

Speaking with Charlamagne tha God for a one-on-one discussion on Friday, Aug. 2, before the release of Sean's new album Better Me Than You, the 36-year-old Detroit MC explained that there's no ill will between him and Lamar, 37. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024

Although the Tucker Corporation raised $17 million in an industry-leading stock IPO, the ill will of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and some politicians, doomed the company, which was bankrupt by March of 1949. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 July 2024

However, a contingent of fans also defended Monét while clapping back at those campaigning against Brown’s popularity and success, pointing to his staying power and in spite of the ill will against him and his contrition regarding his past missteps. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ill will

noun

: unfriendly feeling