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Definition of vindictive

vindictive

/vɪnˈdɪk.tɪv/
vin · dic · tive
Adverb:vindictively
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vindictive Lexical Profile

vindictive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

Example

"The former manager made several vindictive remarks after being passed over for the promotion."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for vindictive

• Nearby Words

vindication
vindicativeness
vindicator
vindictive
vindictively
vindictiveness
vine

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin vindictivus, derived from vindicta ('vengeance, revenge'), which itself comes from the verb vindicare ('to lay claim to, avenge, or punish').

Cite this Entry

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