Synonyms for

Malice

Verb / ˈmælʌs / / ˈmælɪs / Another word for malice — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The intention or desire to do evil; ill will.

Synonyms & similar words

venom maliciousness spitefulness malevolency spite malevolence spite hostility animosity hatred enmity bitterness resentment malevolence venom meanness cruelty wickedness evil viciousness ugliness nastiness spitefulness rancor grudge

Synonyms by register

Formal

malevolence ill will animosity rancor

Informal

spite nastiness mean-spiritedness

Literary

venom bale malice aforethought

Antonyms

benevolence kindness goodwill love affection friendliness compassion

Common collocations

  • pure malice
  • malice aforethought
  • intent to cause harm
  • malice and hatred
  • act of malice
  • filled with malice
  • without malice

Word family

noun malice
adjective malicious

Usage note

Malice refers to the intention or desire to do evil. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'malice aforethought', to denote deliberate intent to harm.

Example sentences

  1. Her malice was evident in the way she spoke to her sister.
  2. He was filled with malice when he saw his rival succeed.
  3. The villain's malice caused destruction and chaos.
  4. There was no reason for her malice towards her coworkers.
  5. The malice in his heart drove him to commit terrible deeds.

Quotes

  • “Malice drinks one-half of its own poison.” – Seneca
  • “Malice is only another name for mediocrity.” – Patrick Kavanagh
  • “Malice is the coward’s revenge on the world for having been defeated by it.” – Junius

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