MALIGN Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'malign' different from other adjectives like it?

The words baleful and sinister are common synonyms of malign . While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful. // the malign effects of racism

Q: When could 'baleful' be used to replace 'malign'?

In some situations, the words baleful and malign are roughly equivalent. However, baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly. // exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

Q: When would 'sinister' be a good substitute for 'malign'?

The synonyms sinister and malign are sometimes interchangeable, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer. // a sinister aura haunts the place

malign 1 of 2

adjective

mə-ˈlīn

Definition of malign next

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it both parties to the divorce showed a malign desire to make each other's future life utterly miserable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

malign

2 of 2

verb

as in to libel

to make untrue and harmful statements about a candidate who believes that it is possible to win an election without maligning anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word malign different from other adjectives like it?

The words baleful and sinister are common synonyms of malign. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

When could baleful be used to replace malign?

In some situations, the words baleful and malign are roughly equivalent. However, baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

When would sinister be a good substitute for malign?

The synonyms sinister and malign are sometimes interchangeable, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of malign

Adjective

This is the president who spent his first year in office delaying missile tests so as not to provoke Russia, and who couldn’t bring himself to kill a malign Russian pipeline project that would have put a noose around Ukraine’s stability and security. —

The Editors, National Review, 10 Nov. 2023 In the context of Oxford in the early 1980s, that meant arguing that American influence on the world was not entirely malign. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Sep. 2023

Verb

Kirk Cousins Early-Season Brilliance For The Atlanta Falcons Despite putting up some eye-opening numbers, Cousins was much maligned during his six-year run with the Minnesota Vikings. —

Vincent Frank, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The other side: He's been criticized for botching the end of the Bulls dynasty and has been maligned for frugal spending for both franchises. —

Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for malign

Recent Examples of Synonyms for malign

Adjective

Apple has since revoked the notarization for the malicious program.

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Between the lines: Many cybersecurity tools scan endpoints for signs of malicious intruders trying to get in.

Sam Sabin, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024