Malicious — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /mə-ˈli-shəs/ ma·li·cious

Meaning & Definition of Malicious

Malicious (adjective)

  1. having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone, given to, marked by, or arising from malice

Malicious (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

    "the neighborhood chatterbox has again been spreading malicious gossip"

    similar: bad (slang), bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent
    related: devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil, harsh, hostile, inimical, acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous
    opposite: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
    near: compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Malicious

The most common words with a similar meaning to Malicious:

Slang: bad
bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Malicious

Words with the opposite meaning of Malicious:

benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words for Malicious

devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil

Near Antonyms of Malicious

compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Word Forms of Malicious

Derived words: maliciously (adverb), maliciousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Malicious

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Malicious

malicious mischief

Frequently Asked Questions about Malicious

What does "Malicious" mean?

"Malicious" means having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone, given to, marked by, or arising from malice. As an adjective, it is defined as: having or showing a desire to cause harm to someone, given to, marked by, or arising from malice.

What is another word for "Malicious"?

Other words for "Malicious" include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent and malign. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Malicious" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Malicious"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Malicious". Common alternatives include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malign, malignant and mean.

What is the opposite of "Malicious"?

Antonyms of "Malicious" include benevolent, benign, benignant, loving and unmalicious. Near antonyms include compassionate, good, good-hearted and kind.

How do you use "Malicious" in a sentence?

Examples of "Malicious" in a sentence: "the neighborhood chatterbox has again been spreading malicious gossip".

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

"Malicious" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Malicious"?

"Malicious" is pronounced /mə-ˈli-shəs/ and divided into syllables as ma·li·cious.

What is the origin of the word "Malicious"?

First known use: 13th century.