with a vengeance

Idioms

With great violence or energy; also, to an extreme degree. For example, The cottage was filthy and Ruth began cleaning with a vengeance, or December has turned cold with a vengeance. This expression was first recorded in 1533. Also see with a will.

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.

No doubt the mayor-elect is fully aware that the president could turn on him with a vengeance.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

Concerns about an AI bubble returned with a vengeance.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

Just when you thought the old passions for and against the man were beginning to fade, suddenly they are back with a vengeance.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

That is changing as more European companies adopt and enforce U.S.-style governance standards—sometimes with a vengeance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 5, 2025

My hands had begun to shake uncontrollably and my migraines had returned with a vengeance.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

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