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 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 Toof asserts that the anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment in his state is borne of a lack of knowledge and education and not necessarily ill will. Mike Wagenheim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ill will 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill will
Noun
  • On several occasions tensions between the two countries — NATO allies divided by deep historical antagonisms — have stirred powerful nationalist passions and brought them to the brink of hostilities.
    Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025
  • In it, Elphaba and Galinda profess their undying friendship; suffice it to say that Grande found the notion of treating her co-star with violent hostility an acting challenge.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The jury in the trial, heard in a Bay County, Fla., court, will be asked to determine whether CNN journalists acted with actual malice, which is defined as the publication of false information with reckless disregard of the truth.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Some of the rebels were jihadists (more on that in a moment), but Assad directed his malice universally—and, if anything, more violently toward non-jihadists, whose only demand was freedom from Assad and his cronies.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • This one is steamy, full of pining and regret over past mistakes, made even more angsty because the two come from sports dynasty families with long-standing grudges.
    Ellie K. Wilde, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • In those years, Machinists’ wages had not kept up with the massive jump in cost of living in the region, and the workforce still held a grudge after Boeing twice threatened to take production to its nonunion factory in South Carolina, resulting in a vote to end the Machinists’ pension plan.
    Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Blood is seen pouring out of skinned animals, the near-constant cruelty of the state’s differing climates is apparent and the ruthless, murderous human beings driven by capitalism and colonialism are lethal.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Meagan Ann Dixon, 44, is charged with murder, child endangerment and multiple counts of cruelty to animals in connection to the slayings, Sutter County Superior Court records show.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 8 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 20 Jan. 2025.

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