Synonyms

venomous

American

[ven-uh-muhs] / ˈvɛn ə məs /

adjective

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

a venomous snake.
full of or containing venom; poisonous.

a venomous wound; a venomous potion.
spiteful; malignant.

a venomous attack; a venomous tongue.

Synonyms:

ill-disposed, rancorous, hostile, malicious

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of venomous

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

Compare meaning

How does venomous compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

poisonous vs. venomous

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 8,000 people annually are bitten by venomous snakes, with fewer than 10 deaths.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

They are also the only venomous primates in the world, using specialized teeth to deliver a toxic bite.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

As well as his new friends, there was plenty of wildlife to keep him company, including a highly venomous Malaysian Red Centipede which Alfie saw on set, while he also had other animal encounters.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

He also told a story about a man who was bit by a venomous snake in Peru and marveled at the crowd’s lack of interest.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2025

"Sister," Gramps said, his voice low and venomous.

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023