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View synonyms for malevolence

malevolence

[ muh-lev-uh-luhns ]

noun

  1. the quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred.

    Synonyms: spitefulness, maliciousness, venom, grudge, spite



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Word History and Origins

Origin of malevolence1

First recorded in 1425–75; from Latin malevolentia, from malevolent- (stem of malevolēns malevolent ) + -ia -y; replacing late Middle English malivolence, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

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Synonym Study

Malevolence, malignity, rancor suggest the wishing of harm to others. Malevolence is a smoldering ill will: a vindictive malevolence in her expression. Malignity is a deep-seated and virulent disposition to injure; it is more dangerous than malevolence, because it is not only more completely concealed but it often instigates harmful acts: The malignity of his nature was shocking. Rancor is a lasting, corrosive, and implacable hatred and resentment.

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Example Sentences

In some cases they are worse, for what they lack in power they make up in malevolence.

As I fought for services, I felt I was dealing with bureaucratic indifference bordering on malevolence.

If bad things are happening in the world, there must be someone to blame, someone whose malevolence or idiocy must be called out.

We all have the obligation to speak out strongly, and oppose this malevolence, without compromise.

Zionism is evil, Israel is evil, sustained by malevolence and historical blindness, to be undone at a stroke and all will be well.

People will not fail to attribute it to the incapacity of the Ministers, and possibly to their malevolence.

It is certain, however, that the malevolence of the defeated party soon revived in all its energy.

But even in those words the malevolence of faction sought and found matter for a quarrel.

At this moment Anna would have said, "is not this rewarding farmer Wood for his malevolence to my uncle and me?"

The old miser's face changed suddenly from rage and malevolence to a leering softness more hateful still to her shrinking eyes.

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