Spiteful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈspīt-fəl/ spite·ful

Meaning & Definition of Spiteful

Spiteful (adjective)

  1. filled with or showing spite, malicious

Spiteful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile"

    similar: bad (slang), bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, 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 Spiteful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Spiteful:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Spiteful

Words with the opposite meaning of Spiteful:

benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words for Spiteful

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 Spiteful

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 Spiteful

Derived words: spitefully (adverb), spitefulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Spiteful

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Spiteful

What does "Spiteful" mean?

"Spiteful" means filled with or showing spite, malicious. As an adjective, it is defined as: filled with or showing spite, malicious.

What is another word for "Spiteful"?

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

What are different ways to say "Spiteful"?

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

What is the opposite of "Spiteful"?

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

How do you use "Spiteful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Spiteful" in a sentence: "the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile".

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

"Spiteful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Spiteful"?

"Spiteful" is pronounced /ˈspīt-fəl/ and divided into syllables as spite·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Spiteful"?

First known use: 15th century.