malevolence

[ muh-lev-uh-luhns ]

See synonyms for malevolence on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

Origin of malevolence

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

synonym study For malevolence

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.

Other words for malevolence

maliciousness, spite, spitefulness, grudge, venom

See synonyms for malevolence on Thesaurus.com

Words Nearby malevolence

How to use malevolence in a sentence

In some cases they are worse, for what they lack in power they make up in malevolence.
Putin's Useful (British) Idiots | James Bloodworth | August 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
As I fought for services, I felt I was dealing with bureaucratic indifference bordering on malevolence.
The Real Juvenile Offenders | Daniela Drake | June 22, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
If bad things are happening in the world, there must be someone to blame, someone whose malevolence or idiocy must be called out.
Trash Talk Returns as Pols, Pundits Point Fingers Over Boston Bombing | Howard Kurtz | April 24, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
We all have the obligation to speak out strongly, and oppose this malevolence, without compromise.
The Debate on Jew-Washing—Beyond Ideology | Gerald M. Steinberg, Yitzhak Santis | August 13, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Zionism is evil, Israel is evil, sustained by malevolence and historical blindness, to be undone at a stroke and all will be well.
First Step to Peace: Admitting that it's Complicated | Yehudah Mirsky | May 4, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

People will not fail to attribute it to the incapacity of the Ministers, and possibly to their malevolence.
The Story Of The Duchess Of Cicogne And Of Monsieur De Boulingrin | Anatole France
It is certain, however, that the malevolence of the defeated party soon revived in all its energy.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington Macaulay
But even in those words the malevolence of faction sought and found matter for a quarrel.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington Macaulay
At this moment Anna would have said, "is not this rewarding farmer Wood for his malevolence to my uncle and me?"
The Adopted Daughter | Elizabeth Sandham
The old miser's face changed suddenly from rage and malevolence to a leering softness more hateful still to her shrinking eyes.
They Looked and Loved | Mrs. Alex McVeigh Miller

Browse