Malevolence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s/ ma·lev·o·lence

Meaning & Definition of Malevolence

Malevolence (noun)

  1. the quality or state of being malevolent
  2. malevolent behavior

Malevolence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm

    "only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism"

    similar: cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malice, maliciousness, malignance, malignancy, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spitefulness, spleen, venom, viciousness
    related: abusiveness, cruelty, abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, grudge, hostility, ill will, jaundice, mean-spiritedness, rancor, resentment, despicableness, invidiousness, vengefulness, vindictiveness, aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, bitchery, bitchiness, contempt, disdain, jealousy, pique, scorn, bile, virulence, vitriol
    near: devotion, love, passion, amiability, amicability, amity, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, adoration, ardor, infatuation, veneration, worship, affection, charity, kindliness, kindness, comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Malevolence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Malevolence:

cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malice, maliciousness, malignance, malignancy, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spitefulness, spleen, venom, viciousness

Related Words for Malevolence

abusiveness, cruelty, abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, grudge, hostility, ill will, jaundice, mean-spiritedness, rancor, resentment, despicableness, invidiousness, vengefulness, vindictiveness, aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, repugnance, repulsion

Near Antonyms of Malevolence

devotion, love, passion, amiability, amicability, amity, civility, cordiality, friendliness, hospitality, adoration, ardor, infatuation, veneration, worship, affection, charity, kindliness, kindness, comity, empathy, friendship, goodwill, sympathy, understanding

Origin & Etymology of Malevolence

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Malevolence

What does "Malevolence" mean?

"Malevolence" means the quality or state of being malevolent. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of being malevolent.

What is another word for "Malevolence"?

Other words for "Malevolence" include cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malice, maliciousness, malignance, malignancy and malignity. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Malevolence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Malevolence"?

There are 56 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Malevolence". Common alternatives include cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malice, maliciousness, malignance, malignancy, malignity, meanness and nastiness.

How do you use "Malevolence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Malevolence" in a sentence: "only mindless malevolence would explain this cruel vandalism".

Is "Malevolence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Malevolence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Malevolence"?

"Malevolence" is pronounced /mə-ˈle-və-lən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ma·lev·o·lence.

What is the origin of the word "Malevolence"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Malevolence" meaning "the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm"?

When "Malevolence" (noun) means the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm, synonyms include cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malice, maliciousness and malignance.