spite 1 of 2

spite

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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
In spite of those objections, the majority of Senate Republicans appeared optimistic about the state of the bill. Mariam Khan, ABC News, 16 June 2025 Paramount Russ has often joked about the fact that, in spite of his body of work, that one line remains the one thing many fans remember him for. Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Verb
Booth believed Malone was holding back Pickett and using Nnaji out of position to spite Booth, league sources said. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025 To them, the alliance with China is there because of a need to spite the West, not because of any natural cohesion between the two powers. Odd Arne Westad, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
Noun
  • The 27-year-old was initially charged with malice murder, but it was downgraded to voluntary manslaughter as part of the plea agreement.
    Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Left unguided, students may misuse AI not out of malice, but confusion.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • If your idea of patience looks like being endlessly agreeable, never getting annoyed, and staying calm through any inconvenience….
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 June 2025
  • We get used to it quickly, and will be annoyed when it is replaced.
    Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • They are mangled, bottled spiders of venom with humor and cutting, biting Irish lyricism.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 June 2025
  • Although the snakes prefer to hide or scare away humans, people who get too close may suffer a painful bite carrying venom that can damage muscle tissue and skin.
    Max Levy, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Also on this episode: With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, the Roundtable takes one more look at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Orban said in February that organisers should not even bother organizing Pride in Budapest this year.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 19 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
  • Spicy foods: Spicy foods may irritate the stomach and intestines, which could worsen or extend food poisoning symptoms.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 21 June 2025
  • This will irritate them and also decrease their likelihood of returning.
    Bartosz Skwarczek, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • There will always be injustice, cruelty and abuses of power.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • But by holding the threat of losing access to your grandchildren over you, your kids are showing an unnecessary amount of cruelty to people (you) who don’t deserve it.
    Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Say your mother kept bugging you to change a bad habit.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Next season is when all the little things start to bug me.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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