malice
Americannoun
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desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness.
the malice and spite of a lifelong enemy.
- Synonyms:
- rancor, bitterness, hatred, hate, venom, malevolence, enmity, animosity, spitefulness, spite, ill will
- Antonyms:
- goodwill, benevolence
-
Law. evil intent on the part of a person who commits a wrongful act injurious to others.
noun
-
the desire to do harm or mischief
-
evil intent
-
law the state of mind with which an act is committed and from which the intent to do wrong may be inferred See also malice aforethought
Related Words
See grudge.
Etymology
Origin of malice
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin malitia; equivalent to mal- + -ice
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prosecutors charged Moore with malice murder because she had taken misoprostol.
From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026
Ultimately, the reviews exist to help other guests and hosts to make an informed decision, and the entire system works better if people are honest and act without malice.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026
When Mike makes an unexpected pass at her, Marge responds with grace, not malice.
From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026
"It's pure malice, just to cause harm -- there's no other explanation," Felicia Lara, a 68-year-old resident of Punta de Parra, told AFP.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
There wasn’t a hint of malice in his voice or on his face.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.