Synonyms for

Spite

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

Definition

a feeling of wanting to hurt or upset someone

Synonyms & similar words

venom bruise nastiness cattiness maliciousness spitefulness wound bitchiness hurt malice offend injure malice grudge animosity hatred resentment bitterness ill-will rancor malevolence spitefulness vindictiveness enmity hostility antagonism aversion dislike displeasure enviousness jealousy mean-spiritedness

Synonyms by register

Formal

malice rancor animosity resentment

Informal

grudge ill will bad blood

Literary

venom gall

Antonyms

kindness benevolence generosity goodwill helpfulness niceness compassion

Common collocations

  • in spite of
  • out of spite
  • spiteful act
  • spiteful remark
  • spiteful person
  • spiteful intent
  • spiteful revenge

Word family

noun spite
verb spite
adjective spiteful
adverb spitefully

Usage note

The phrase 'in spite of' is a common idiom meaning 'regardless of'. As a verb, 'to spite someone' means to deliberately annoy or thwart them.

Example sentences

  1. She did it out of spite.
  2. He didn't want to help her out of spite.
  3. She talked about her ex-boyfriend out of spite.
  4. He threw the ball at his sister out of spite.
  5. She gave her sister a dirty look out of spite.

Quotes

  • Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
  • The best revenge is massive success.
  • The best way to get even is to forget.

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