Synonyms for
Malicious
Definition
intentionally harmful or spiteful
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- malicious intent
- malicious software
- malicious gossip
- malicious attack
- malicious act
- malicious damage
- malicious prosecution
Word family
noun malice
adverb maliciously
Usage note
Malicious implies a deliberate desire to cause harm or suffering. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'malicious intent' or 'malicious prosecution'.
Example sentences
- The malicious student spread rumors about her classmates.
- The fox had a malicious grin on his face.
- The hacker's malicious intent was to steal personal information.
- The malicious dog barked aggressively at the mailman.
- The malicious prank caused damage to the school property.
Quotes
Malicious tongues are busy and mischievous, and only speak evil when they have nothing good to say. - Plutarch
There are some things so serious you have to laugh at them. - Niels Bohr
The malicious usually think themselves cleverer than the innocent, but it was as often as not merely a matter of opportunity. - Alexander McCall Smith