Definitions

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.

The punitive phase of the civil trial began Thursday, after jurors determined that Grossman had acted with malice and oppression and Erickson with malice, oppression or fraud.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Jurors decided that Grossman also acted with malice and oppression and Erickson acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

It emerges not from malice, but from math.

From Slate • May 22, 2026

“But do keep at it with the fake news, actual malice standard is now what some would call a legal lay up,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

There wasn’t a hint of malice in his voice or on his face.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Vocabulary lists containing malice

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Take the Bad with the Good: Bene and Mal

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The Tragedy of Macbeth

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!