ill will

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ill will differ from other similar words?

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

ill will provoked by a careless remark

Where would grudge be a reasonable alternative to ill will?

Although the words grudge and ill will have much in common, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is malevolence a more appropriate choice than ill will?

The synonyms malevolence and ill will are sometimes interchangeable, but malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

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

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

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When would malignity be a good substitute for ill will?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When can spite be used instead of ill will?

In some situations, the words spite and ill will 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 might spleen be a better fit than ill will?

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

venting his spleen against politicians

Examples 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 ill will Police say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime. Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 The slaying of Thompson has gripped the nation as police believe he may have been motivated by ill will towards the health insurance industry. Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 13 Dec. 2024 On top of that, the flashback of Bronwyn going to Lisa and John to get advice about her daughter’s potential reconnection proves that Bronwyn no longer has ill will toward Lisa. Sarah Hagi, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024 Person of interest had ‘ill will toward corporate America,’ police say 02:34 Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the Altoona Police Department has the document. NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ill will 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill will
Noun
  • For example, shrinking the size and scope of government is a goal which could help the country, but reducing or trimming government programs for almost any constituency would be fraught with hostility and political costs.
    Frank Lavin, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Just more than 100 were released in late November 2023 during a pause in hostilities, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
    Keir Simmons, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • His father was found not guilty of malice murder but guilty on the other eight counts.
    Dakin Andone, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Young’s legal team has tried to make the case that the text and others were evidence of malice, but Axelrod argued that the Marquardt and others involved in reporting the story showed restraint.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But White House observers have long questioned what might divide the two men, who are known for demanding the spotlight and holding grudges.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • But, MacArthur said, that doesn’t fit with what jurors have heard about Madigan, including a near-legendary ability to hold political grudges.
    Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Saline County sheriff’s deputies, responding to an animal cruelty report entered the Fullen’s field after observing about 50 cattle, many with calves, with minimal grass to graze on, according to an affidavit.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Aggravated cruelty to animals is a felony under New York State law and carries a sentence of up to two years if convicted.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near ill will

Cite this Entry

“Ill will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill%20will. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ill will

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