Malice — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈma-ləs/ mal·ice

Meaning & Definition of Malice

Malice (noun)

  1. desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another
  2. intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse

Malice (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "there was no reason other than pure malice to spread such disgusting lies all over campus"

    similar: cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malevolence, 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 Malice

The most common words with a similar meaning to Malice:

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

Related Words for Malice

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 Malice

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 Malice

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin malitia, from malus bad

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Malice

malice aforethought

Frequently Asked Questions about Malice

What does "Malice" mean?

"Malice" means desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another. As a noun, it is defined as: desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another.

What is another word for "Malice"?

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

What are different ways to say "Malice"?

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

How do you use "Malice" in a sentence?

Examples of "Malice" in a sentence: "there was no reason other than pure malice to spread such disgusting lies all over campus".

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

"Malice" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Malice"?

"Malice" is pronounced /ˈma-ləs/ and divided into syllables as mal·ice.

What is the origin of the word "Malice"?

"Malice" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin malitia, from malus bad. First known use: 14th century.

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

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