spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl 

: filled with or showing spite : malicious

spitefully

ˈspīt-fə-lē 

adverb

spitefulness noun

Synonyms

• bad [slang]
• bitchy
• catty
• cruel
• despiteful
• hateful
• malevolent
• malicious
• malign
• malignant
• mean
• nasty
• vicious
• virulent

Examples of spiteful in a Sentence

the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile

Recent Examples on the Web

Several diss tracks followed, with the musicians hurling increasingly spiteful insults at each other relating to accusations of domestic abuse, exploitation and pedophilia. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

The more spiteful Drake could smell a world of buff, misogynistic grifters taking hold and made sure to set up shop where the audience would be. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

But when he’s presumed dead after a tragic run-in with a pirate ship, our heroine is forced to take up with the spiteful Prince Humperdink—that is, until a masked man in black jumps in to save her. —Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025

Biden’s mean-spirited, spiteful actions are only more reasons for Americans to vote Republican in future elections. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for spiteful

• delightful
• insightful
• frightful
• rightful

Kids Definition

spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl 

: filled with or showing spite : malicious

spitefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

spitefulness noun