catty

adjective

Definition of cattynext
as in malicious
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it a catty remark that served only to hurt their feelings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 catty Tortuga’s signature restaurant, Bamboo, sits catty-corner to the pool, and has a dining room with blush pink walls—a color handpicked by Oscar de la Renta. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026 With Daniel being tied to Armand, and the journalist turned documentarian having a catty, antagonistic relationship with Lestat, much of how he was turned and the real reason for why is left a mystery. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 Yes, remarks those catty modernists made about their host could be less than savory, but Stein wasn’t bothered. — Emily Cox, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026 Long gone are the days of catty rivalries between Tonya and Nancy, Michelle and Tara. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catty
  1. malicious
  2. cruel
  3. vicious
  4. hateful
  5. nasty
  6. bitchy
Adjective
  • Moreover, the perpetrators do not appear to have used malicious code on the fridge controllers, potentially complicating efforts to track down who carried out the cyberattack, added Aimé.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of malicious
Adjective
  • In response to legislation to end the cruelty once and for all, the Daily News once again trotted out its old and tired defense of this cruel, deadly and outdated industry.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Policing cringe is the cruelest métier of the internet—the origin of harassment campaigns and platforming of contempt.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of cruel
Adjective
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Lynch was on the outside trying to gather herself after the vicious table slam.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of vicious
Adjective
  • Ossoff went a step further, accusing Collins himself of amplifying hateful content and saying that his former congressional aide had intervened on behalf of a Holocaust denier.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Online trolls posting hateful comments on social media don't establish how the crowd at Gainbridge behaves.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of hateful
Adjective
  • Ali then went to the top rope and hit a nasty 450 splash through the table.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • However, the modern versions that are packed with high explosives and sit lurking under the dirt to blow up unwary vehicles or pedestrians are much nastier affairs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • While some companies made dramatically bitchy exits from the state in recent years, there are signs that several are itching to get back to the golden coast.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Who would come correct with a bitchy, sassy, screw-all-y’all response, and who would play it safe with a mild-mannered send-off?
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitchy

Browse Nearby Words

cattlemen
catty
caucus
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Cite this Entry

“Catty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catty. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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