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Definition of malevolence

malevolence

/məˈlɛv.əl.əns/
ma · lev · o · lence
Adverb:malevolently
•
Plural:malevolences
•
Adjective:malevolent
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malevolence Lexical Profile

malevolence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or condition of wishing evil or harm to others; deep-seated ill will or malice.

Example

"The protagonist in the novel struggled to understand the pure malevolence driving his rival's actions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for malevolence

• Nearby Words

male
malefaction
maleness
malevolence
malevolent
malevolently
malformation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French or directly from Latin malevolentia ('ill will, malice'), derived from malevolens ('wishing evil'), a compound of male ('badly') and volens, the present participle of velle ('to wish').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Malevolence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/malevolence
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