venomous

[ven-uh-muhs]

adjective

1. (of an animal) having a gland or glands for secreting venom; able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting, or wound.

   a venomous snake.

2. full of or containing venom; poisonous.

   a venomous wound; a venomous potion.

3. spiteful; malignant.

   a venomous attack; a venomous tongue.

   Synonyms: ill-disposed, rancorous, hostile, malicious

Other Word Forms

• venomously adverb
• venomousness noun
• venomness noun
• nonvenomous adjective
• nonvenomously adverb
• nonvenomousness noun
• unvenomous adjective
• unvenomously adverb
• unvenomousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of venomous¹

1250–1300; Middle English venim ( o ) us < Anglo-French venimus ( Old French venimeux ). See venom, -ous

Example Sentences

A venomous Mitchell Starc struck three times during an intimidating opening spell to leave England in trouble on day one of the first Ashes Test against Australia on Friday in Perth.

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Describing Mr. Carlson as Heritage’s “close friend,” Mr. Roberts said that “the venomous coalition attacking him are sowing division.”

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He then castigated “the venomous coalition attacking” the populist media figure for interviewing Mr. Fuentes and urged conservatives to focus “on our political adversaries on the left, not attacking our friends on the right.”

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He added, “My use of the phrase ‘venomous coalition’ was a terrible choice of words — especially for our Jewish colleagues and friends.”

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Enter Mr. Roberts of the Heritage Foundation to assure us that Mr. Carlson is a victim of a “venomous coalition” that is “sowing division” by criticizing him.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• destructive 
• malicious 
• noxious 
• rancorous 
• spiteful 
• vicious 
• virulent