vindictiveness

noun

Definition of vindictivenessnext
as in hatred

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vindictiveness Last month, Judge Crenshaw concluded that while there was insufficient evidence to prove actual vindictiveness, the government could not justify its sudden shift from wanting to deport Abrego Garcia to prosecuting him. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 22 June 2026 In less capable hands, her bitchiness, her vanity, her vindictiveness would have made her one-dimensional. — Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 Benching him on Thursday wouldn’t have been an act of vindictiveness, just as playing him wasn’t an act of mercy. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 May 2026 The line between law enforcement and partisan vindictiveness can also become muddied. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 When circumstances create a realistic likelihood of vindictiveness, the burden shifts to the government to justify its conduct. — Cassandra Burke Robertson, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025 Johnson says Comey may be able to argue that he is being prosecuted out of vindictiveness, given the president's remarks. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Sep. 2025 So there’s a feeling of vindictiveness and petulance that’s in there, but there’s also a practicality to it, too. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vindictiveness
  1. hatred
  2. virulence
  3. vitriol
  4. alienation
  5. loathing
  6. disaffection
Noun
  • His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet Christ Jesus consistently refused to let fear, hatred, or sin define his view of anyone’s identity.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • Firefighters and authorities in both European countries were caught off guard by the virulence of the fires, which were fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • The virulence of the French and Spanish wildfires, fueled by high temperatures and the long-term effects of climate change, caught fire crews and authorities off guard.
    — Mark Carlson, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of virulence
Noun
  • So much vitriol will be directed at both sides if games are missed.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • While his cause of death has not been determined, photos of the Black teen surrounded by White friends during the trip led to widespread speculation, vitriol and threats from across the country.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of vitriol
Noun
  • While snobbery and name-dropping dominate, Nora’s feeling of alienation is tempered by her crush on associate editor Thomas (Joshuah Melnick) who, though only slightly older, seems to know everything about piloting the scene.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • All three CEOs understood implicitly that prior alienation of primary points of customer contact are more destructive than any mere marketing campaign can fix.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of alienation
Noun
  • The Administration's blind loathing of immigrants is doing harm to our nation that will take decades to repair.
    — Maggie Dougherty, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Not even regular nips from a hidden bottle of whiskey in the garage can ease Greg’s self-loathing.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of loathing
Noun
  • Their disaffection can create a culture of hopelessness and emotional stasis that lasts well past any economic recovery.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In Mike Nichols’ 1967 comedy of disaffection, Hoffman originated the role that Rhys played onstage, so the snub was startling.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disaffection

Browse Nearby Words

vindictively
vindictiveness
vinegar
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Cite this Entry

“Vindictiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vindictiveness. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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