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Definition of spiteful

spiteful

/ˈspaɪt.fəl/
spite · ful
Adverb:spitefully
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spiteful Lexical Profile

spiteful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing or caused by malice and a deliberate desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.

Example

"She regretted making such a spiteful remark during the heated argument."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for spiteful

• Nearby Words

spit
spitball
spite
spiteful
spitefully
spitefulness
spitfire

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'spite' (an aphetic shortening of Old French 'despit', from Latin 'despectus', meaning 'a looking down upon') combined with the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

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