Definitions

meanness

[meen-nis] / ˈmin nɪs /

NOUN

the quality of being mean

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avarice greed malice

STRONG

abjection baseness beastliness closeness corruptness covetousness debasement degeneracy degradation disrepute frugality infamy iniquity lowness malignity miserliness parsimony pettiness rapacity shamelessness sordidness stinginess unkindness unscrupulousness unworthiness wickedness

WEAK

churlishness contemptibleness ill temper knavishness smallmindedness

Antonyms

STRONGEST

benevolence generosity

STRONG

goodness honor morality virtue

WEAK

nobility worthiness

NOUN

a mean action

Synonyms

STRONG

belittling cheating scolding

WEAK

coveting deceiving defaming defrauding degrading dishonoring groveling grudging quarreling shaming sneaking

Antonyms

WEAK

generosity nobility worthiness

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.

But Mr. Cornyn has no gift for meanness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Rourke later apologised to Siwa, and told the housemates he "didn't say it out of meanness".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025

To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2024

He added: “I never want people to think I have a hint of malice or meanness towards anyone, ever, that’s why I’m saying all this.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

At which point the revelry mixed with meanness abated and King Walker handed Milkman his Winchester .22.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

meanness

Example Sentences

Related Words