SPITE Synonyms: 180 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

spite 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīt

Definition of spite next

as in malice

the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spite

2 of 2

verb

as in to annoy

to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of spite in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In spite of his strong preference to hand Roylin over to law enforcement, his highest priority is one all three of them share: to do everything possible to ensure that Lenkov is arrested, not assassinated. —

Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 In spite of extensive damage from Hurricane Helene to some parts of the state, early voting is booming. —

The Editors, National Review, 30 Oct. 2024

Verb

Jimmy Kimmel may host the Oscars a fifth time just to spite former President Donald Trump. —

Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024 Joy felt these performances were meant in part to spite her, to prove that her complaints about his new demeanor were unfounded. —

Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for spite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite

Noun

In the weeks prior, the 31-year-old had become the subject of internet mockery and malice after a clip of him at bandmate Niall Horan’s concert went viral, and his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, accused him of harassment and abuse in an October 6 TikTok video.

Kate Lindsay, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Simon, 24, was indicted on 19 charges, including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, concealing the death of another, making a false report of a crime and 14 counts of making a false statement.

Dakin Andone and Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024