Synonyms for

Venom

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

Definition

a poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions

Synonyms & similar words

malice maliciousness spitefulness spite poison toxin venin bane contagion infection virus germ bug microbe bacillus bacterium microorganism pathogen spite malice hatred

Synonyms by register

Formal

poison toxin venomous secretion

Informal

bile malice spite

Literary

ichor gall

Antonyms

benevolence kindness goodwill friendship amity benevolence benevolence

Common collocations

  • venom gland
  • venomous snake
  • inject venom
  • venomous bite
  • venomous sting
  • venomous creature
  • deadly venom

Word family

noun venom
adjective venomous

Usage note

While 'venom' primarily refers to the poisonous fluid of snakes and other creatures, it can also be used metaphorically to describe intense hatred or malice.

Example sentences

  1. The venom of a snake can be very dangerous.
  2. The spider's venom can make you very sick.
  3. The scorpion's venom can be extremely painful.
  4. The venom of some animals can be used for medicine.
  5. The venomous bite of the cobra can be deadly.

Quotes

  • 'The venom clamours of a jealous woman poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth.' - William Shakespeare
  • 'Jealousy is a disease, love is a healthy condition. The immature mind often mistakes one for the other, or assumes that the greater the love, the greater the jealousy - in fact, they're almost incompatible; one emotion hardly leaves room for the other.' - Robert A. Heinlein
  • 'The venom of demons is not stronger than a mother's love.' - Toba Beta

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