spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
Synonyms of spiteful
: filled with or showing spite : malicious
spitefully
ˈspīt-fə-lē How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
adverb
spitefulness noun

Synonyms of spiteful

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Examples of spiteful in a Sentence

the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It would be seen as a work of merciless autofiction in the vein of Karl Ove Knausgaard, and it would be discussed, as his books are, as aggressive, antisocial, and spiteful. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 In 1932, Carlos (Milo Quifes) is a young man in Grenada at a time when Spain is lurching uncomfortably towards an ever-increasing spiteful intolerance of homosexuality. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 The anger leads them to Rupert, Rebecca’s forever-spiteful ex. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026 Cox’s film is biased in Bill’s favor, portraying him as a lapdog whose love for this screeching, spiteful, beady-eyed woman is his great tragic flaw. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spiteful

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiteful was in the 15th century

Rhymes for spiteful

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Browse Nearby Words

spite fence
spiteful
spiteless
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Cite this Entry

“Spiteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiteful. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

spiteful

adjective
spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
: filled with or showing spite : malicious
spitefully
-fə-lē How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
adverb
spitefulness noun
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