spite 1 of 2

noun

ˈspīt How to pronounce spite (audio)
Definition of spitenext
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm spread cruel lies out of pure spite

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spite

2 of 2

verb

as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts sometimes, I swear, she keeps doing that just to spite me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun spite differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spite are grudge, ill will, malevolence, malice, malignity, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

In what contexts can grudge take the place of spite?

While in some cases nearly identical to spite, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is ill will a more appropriate choice than spite?

The synonyms ill will and spite are sometimes interchangeable, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When would malevolence be a good substitute for spite?

Although the words malevolence and spite have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than spite?

In some situations, the words malice and spite are roughly equivalent. However, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When could malignity be used to replace spite?

The words malignity and spite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

Where would spleen be a reasonable alternative to spite?

The meanings of spleen and spite largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of spite
Noun
Despite high Russian losses, Moscow is not interested in a ceasefire, in spite of Kyiv's willingness to accept such a move, added Murrett, the deputy director at Syracuse University's Institute for Security Policy and Law. —Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 In spite of affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion policies, disparities persist in access by Black people to capital, markets and other resources. —Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
Verb
Critics said their blocking Shaw-Wilder’s nomination was to spite President Joe Biden. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 Booth believed Malone was holding back Pickett and using Nnaji out of position to spite Booth, league sources said. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spite
  1. malice
  2. annoy
  3. venom
  4. bother
  5. hatred
  6. irritate
  7. cruelty
  8. bug
Noun
  • Global banks aren’t necessarily acting out of malice.
    — Wale Ayeni, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
  • Beneath the inevitable finger-pointing and politicizing, there is often a genuine, even desperate, human impulse to find fault not out of malice, but out of mourning and a desire to find solutions.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of malice
Verb
  • That acquisition annoyed shareholders and customers alike, with investors taking issue with the fact that it was structured to avoid a vote.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
  • However, in addition to the controversy over self-grading the results, OpenAI also annoyed the IMO community because its Saturday announcement appears to have violated the embargo agreement with the International Mathematical Olympiad.
    — Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Definition of annoy
Noun
  • Do not follow the myths by trying to suck out the venom or cutting the wound or even using a tourniquet.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
  • Beyond dialing 911 and seeking medical attention, Starkey and the National Park Service recommend taking these actions in the aftermath of a rattler strike: Stop moving the limb where the bite occurred to limit the spread of the venom.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of venom
Verb
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    — Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • There’s a great tradition in sports of being driven by a fear, or a hatred, of that feeling.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • She’s been feeling so much hatred, so much anger, so much sadness, so much disappointment these last few episodes.
    — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 July 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Things escalated further as fans began requesting photos and videos, reportedly irritating the R&B star.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 July 2025
  • According to Valliere, people and pets should avoid coming in contact with several invasive plants in California, including: Certain grasses, which produce long awns and seeds that can irritate skin, get stuck in pets’ fur, and cause discomfort for both animals and humans.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of irritate
Noun
  • The new law adds to existing municipal ordinances that forbid animal cruelty or neglect, including leaving a pet in too small of a space or outside in the hot Florida sun.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025
  • Miller faces four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity.
    — Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Definition of cruelty
Verb
  • If things were in fact bugged during the Contest Mode run, a limited-time offering, that’s going to be something if a disaster to admit.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Say your mother kept bugging you to change a bad habit.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Definition of bug

Phrases Containing spite

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Cite this Entry

“Spite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spite. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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