grudge 1 of 2

grudge

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grudge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grudge are ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is it sensible to use ill will instead of grudge?

The words ill will and grudge can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When could malevolence be used to replace grudge?

Although the words malevolence and grudge have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than grudge?

While the synonyms malice and grudge are close in meaning, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is malignity a more appropriate choice than grudge?

The words malignity and grudge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of grudge?

In some situations, the words spite and grudge are roughly equivalent. However, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When can spleen be used instead of grudge?

The meanings of spleen and grudge largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grudge
Noun
He’s been too busy winning state titles with the Bruins to get riled up about old grudges. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 June 2025 The former police chief held grudges, the mayor said Hardin, 56, was briefly the police chief of Gateway in 2016 and had a slew of various law enforcement jobs in the region – many of which ended with him being fired or forced to resign, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Verb
But the absence of their grudging leader and brightest light exposed differences both fresh and latent, and greed and ego frayed their alliances. Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024 But when the chance for revenge on Alexus comes, Raina is forced to let her grudge fall to the wayside to prevent her sister — and the entire empire — from being claimed by a bigger enemy. Alyssa Davis, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
Noun
  • No one wants to carry bad vibes and resentment around anymore, so the energy will be pleasant and fortuitous.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 10 June 2025
  • This case isn’t grounded in facts or law; it’s fueled by resentment.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The hostility of the state intensified with the BBC's 100 Women list, and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
    Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
  • Intense hostility all around means that for now, neither Russia nor China is even willing to sit down to discuss nuclear restraints, in treaty form or otherwise.
    Matthew Bunn, The Conversation, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Here are six seemingly polite habits that party hosts actually dislike.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
  • Some people dislike the white residue that remains on the skin for a while after applying liquid forms of sunscreen.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump also seemed to put a greater priority on addressing his grievances with other nations’ trade policies.
    Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • In many of these cases, investigations consistently revealed that the suspects harbored either real or perceived grievances against the politician or their political beliefs, and subsequently acted upon those grievances.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The second doctor refused to admit her so more tests could be done.
    Keyaira Boone, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • The Mullahs in Tehran refused to dismantle their nuclear program.
    Anna Commander Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • In 2022, Republic, which Bedford has helmed since 1999, requested that be halved to 750 hours, which the FAA denied.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
  • Diddy’s legal team has denied all of the accusations.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • David Beckham’s relationship with King Charles III has reportedly grown stronger than ever as both men endure family feuds.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
  • A week ago, a feud between Musk and the president erupted seemingly over a massive tax cuts bill the White House is pushing.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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