spite 1 of 2

spite

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

While in some cases nearly identical to spite, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

The synonyms ill will and spite are sometimes interchangeable, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite 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 spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace spite?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite 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 spite
Noun
Today, many workers at more conventional jobs face the havoc of just-in-time scheduling and inconsistent shifts; these employees seek out more flexible arrangements in spite of their downsides. Lora Kelley, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 Tariff Alleviation Through Scale In spite of a temporary relaxation of U.S.-China trade strains, with tariffs on Chinese imports cut to 30% from 145% and China reducing U.S. tariffs to 10% from 125%, Nike remains exposed. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
In the jaw-dropping final episode, Kimmie − a survivor of human trafficking and abuse − makes a major play by agreeing to marry the head of the household, Horace, who is hospitalized, and makes a quick decision to spite his family. Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 In effect, Trump is cutting off America's nose to spite its face, weakening its own economic position while strengthening global competitors. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
Noun
  • Jon Worrell, 58, was arrested on charges including malice murder and felony murder in the death of his wife Doris Worrell, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
  • Cornell faces charges of voyeurism with malice, second-degree stalking and breach of peace.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Orlando Sentinel Residents also allege the neighbor erected phallic objects on a fence at his home to annoy them.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • Cahill also spoke about how the political nature of the case annoyed him, as politicians spoke out about Floyd's death, and some called for system-wide change.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The venom also disrupts blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and further complications.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Brunson adapts to pressure, then punishes it — like a snake that builds immunity to its predator’s venom.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • The walk, only his second this month, bothered him.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 26 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
  • There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
  • Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • On Tuesday, May 20, the Orange County District Attorney's Office confirmed in a press release that Alejandro Acosta Oliveros was charged with felony animal cruelty and felony theft of a companion animal.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Turquoise Morton, 38, is charged with abandoning a domestic animal and animal cruelty for allegedly torturing, tormenting, or maiming a dog.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • But this is not the case in Season 2, and it’s been bugging me to no end.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • In less than a minute, Judge posed both the problem and the solution that will bug the Yankees for as long as Soto is doing his shuffle.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on spite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!