Synonyms for

Malignant

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

Definition

Malignant means harmful or dangerous in influence or nature. It is often used to describe cancer that is likely to spread and cause harm.

Synonyms & similar words

benign deadly dangerous harmful evil malign malevolent sinister pernicious cancerous malicious toxic venomous vicious wicked catastrophic destructive fatal lethal mortal noxious

Synonyms by register

Formal

virulent pernicious deleterious noxious

Informal

nasty mean spiteful vicious

Literary

baleful dire sinister

Antonyms

benign benevolent kind gentle harmless favorable good

Common collocations

  • malignant tumor
  • malignant growth
  • malignant disease
  • malignant influence
  • malignant spirit
  • malignant intent
  • malignant cells

Word family

noun malignancy
adjective malignant
adverb malignantly

Usage note

Primarily used in a medical context to describe a disease that is cancerous and likely to spread. Can also be used figuratively to describe something harmful or evil.

Example sentences

  1. The doctor was worried that the tumor might be malignant.
  2. The malignant cells were spreading quickly and causing damage.
  3. The poison was so malignant that it killed everything in its path.
  4. The evil witch cast a malignant spell on the village.
  5. The company's actions had a malignant impact on the environment.

Quotes

  • The malignant foot of the Devil upon the city.
  • The malignant tongue of the world
  • The malignant pustules of poverty

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