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.
Everyone has an acid tongue and brims with spiteful resentment. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 27 May 2026 That the spiteful man sees only as far as the spiteful man can, and that can produce a work of art that is successful, but maybe not ultimately great. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 However nasty and spiteful things get between the Butleys and the del Valles, there’s always the sense that a détente may still be possible. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 And Landman totally got the assignment and deftly plays a series of selfish, clueless and/or spiteful clods. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on spiteful

Nglish: Translation of spiteful for Spanish Speakers

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