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.

Another in D.C. told me it just hit her morning dog-walk crew with a vengeance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

But it has come back with a vengeance, rising more than 21% in May for its best monthly performance since 2001.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

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

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2025

Like last weekend in Perth, the Lions toiled in the early exchanges, the Reds setting about them with a vengeance, the outstanding centre Hunter Paisami leading the charge.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

To go for so long without prey and suddenly to have so many—his pent-up hunting instinct was lashing out with a vengeance.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

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