spiteful

adjective

spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
: filled with or showing spite : malicious
spitefully adverb
spitefulness noun

Examples of spiteful in a Sentence

the gossip would utter the most vicious things with a spiteful smile
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Also, Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose memorably spiteful villain is an IMAX-sized testament to the late actor’s talent. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024 Share [Findings] Unaffiliated voters are growing more spiteful toward both Democrats and Republicans. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 But legitimate criticism has often been lost in spiteful lunacy. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 10 Oct. 2024 In the book, Benedict falls for Sophie Beckett, the daughter of an earl who’s been hidden away from the Ton and forced to work as a housemaid by her spiteful stepmother. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spiteful 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiteful was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near spiteful

Cite this Entry

“Spiteful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiteful. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

spiteful

adjective
spite·​ful ˈspīt-fəl How to pronounce spiteful (audio)
: filled with or showing spite : malicious
spitefully adverb
spitefulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on spiteful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!