Search Dictionary
Definition of spite

spite

/spaɪt/
spite
Adverb:spitefully
•
Plural:spites
•
Adjective:spiteful
•
Past Simple:spited
•
Past Participle:spited
•
Present Participle:spiting
JUMP TO:

spite Lexical Profile

spite Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone; petty ill will or malice.

Example

"He hid his sister's favorite book purely out of spite after their argument."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spite
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spite

• verb

1

To deliberately hurt, annoy, or offend someone out of petty malice.

Example

"The homeowner painted his fence bright orange just to spite the neighborhood association."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spite
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spite

Word Nuance & Usage

When expressing contrast, always use the three-word prepositional phrase 'in spite of' or the single word 'despite'; never write 'despite of'.

• Rhymes for spite

• Nearby Words

spirograph
spit
spitball
spite
spiteful
spitefully
spitefulness

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the 14th century, the word originated in Middle English as a shortened form of 'despite', which came via Old French from the Latin 'despectus', meaning 'a looking down on' or 'contempt'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Spite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/spite
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.