MALEVOLENT Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

malevolent

adjective

mə-ˈle-və-lənt

Definition of malevolent

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it the novel grossly oversimplified the conflict as a struggle between relentlessly malevolent villains on one side and faultless saints on the other

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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 malevolent Or was the hole man-made with a malevolent intent, perhaps plundering a grave for artifacts? — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026 Vaccaro plays Bianca, a woman who helps Supergirl witch Selena with her malevolent plans. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026 Ryan has also had some unexplained incidents involving an unseen, malevolent force. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for malevolent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malevolent

Adjective

Strong antivirus software can help warn you about malicious downloads or suspicious websites.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Radha had always believed that the world was evil and people malicious.

— Akhil Sharma, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of malicious

Adjective

Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026
Democrats have little trouble understanding that the right-wing infighting over Carlson is about whether the Republican tent, which already includes racists, nativists, and vicious Islamophobes, is also big enough to include anti-Semites.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of vicious

Adjective

Yiannopoulos’ acerbic and at times hateful speech attracted the fury of students who argued his views should not be platformed.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Grabs a ketchup bottle and garnishes his face, before squirting mustard into his hateful, piggish eyes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hateful

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malevolence

malevolent

malevolently

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“Malevolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/malevolent. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of malevolent

adjective

Example Sentences

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