Find Synonyms

malicious Synonyms

Another word for malicious

Choosing another word for malicious depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm or cause suffering to others.

Usage Example

"She ignored the spiteful rumors that had been circulating around the office."

Strongest
spiteful
malevolent
malign
malignant
Strong
mean-spirited
vindictive
vengeful
vicious
rancorous
hostile

• adjective (Context 2)

In computing, designed to infiltrate, damage, or disrupt a computer system, network, or data without the owner's consent.

Usage Example

"The security update blocks harmful software from accessing personal files on your device."

Strong
harmful
destructive
hostile

Opposites of malicious

The opposite of malicious shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

benevolent
harmless
benign
kind
safe
good-natured
charitable
friendly
See all opposites of malicious

• Nearby Words

mali cobra
malibu
malice
malicious
maliciously
maliciousness
malign

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Malicious. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/malicious
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