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
Football folk have memories that would impress elephants and a mafioso’s capacity for holding grudges. Michael Walker, New York Times, 9 May 2025 The choice is his to make — whether to celebrate his grandson’s milestone or continue to feed his grudge. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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 Putin’s apparatus has pivoted in recent days to grudging acknowledgment that the likely culprits had an agenda unrelated to Ukraine: revenge for years of carnage carried out by Russian security forces in Syria, Chechnya and other Muslim states. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
Noun
  • This is largely because of the general resentment surrounding Paul, not because of his heelish actions inside the ring, but because of his controversial actions outside of it.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
  • Possibly further fueling Jones’s resentment, he had been named in two inspector general Investigations in 2022.
    Emmet C. Davitt, Baltimore Sun, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Over the nearly 20 months since the hostilities began, Colin Clarke said there has been a radicalization effect in the U.S., particularly of the political left.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • Opposition to the war became hostility toward our own military.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Viggo clearly dislikes it but is encouraged by the other boys to share inappropriate content.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
  • The buzz around Game Of Thrones largely fizzled with the release of its eighth and final season, which many fans justifiably disliked thanks to its rushed and messy conclusion.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Either Paul was calling me with grievances or Emma was updating me with bad news.
    Matt Wolf, Vulture, 28 May 2025
  • As a result, in each league, dozens of grievances are commenced and resolved each year, typically without any public awareness.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.
    Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025
  • Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
    Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Related Stories Sonja Morgan Banned from N.Y.C. Hotspot After Walking Out on $1,000 Bill Sonja Morgan Speaks Out After Leaving Restaurant in Ambulance On May 10, Morgan allegedly refused to pay her $1000 bill at Tucci, an upscale restaurant in the Noho neighborhood of Manhattan.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • For more than a decade, Cox has refused to carry SportsNet LA because of its high cost.
    Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • At the very least, there’s no denying that Stewart has artistic conviction.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
  • The Boise City Council denied that appeal in April in a 4-1 vote, with Council Member Luci Willits the lone dissenter.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The on-court feud between the two basketball stars dates back to their time at the college basketball level.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump’s General Services Administration directed all federal agencies on Tuesday to explore ways to cut remaining contracts with Harvard University – escalating the ongoing feud between the president and the Ivy League school.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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