malice

[mal-is] / ˈmæl ɪs /

NOUN

hate, vengefulness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

animosity animus antipathy bitterness enmity grudge hate hatred hostility ill will meanness rancor resentment vengefulness

STRONG

acerbity bane bile despite dirt dislike down evil hatefulness malevolence maliciousness malignance malignity mordacity poison repugnance spite spitefulness spleen umbrage venom viciousness vindictiveness

WEAK

bad blood despitefulness implacability

Antonyms

STRONGEST

friendliness friendship good will happiness kindness liking love loving respect sympathy

STRONG

morality

WEAK

benevolence thoughtfulness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Prosecutors could not prove malice in the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Walker said he bore "no malice" to the child for the life-changing injury he suffered.

From BBC

Russell said he was wary ahead of the meeting but his brother had said he bore no malice or bitterness about the adoption.

From BBC

Elen said it "doesn't really matter" whether the comments were made out of malice or ignorance.

From BBC

His face is sunken, but his deep blue eyes glint with dark malice.

From Literature