Malevolence
“The state or quality of wishing evil or harm upon others.”
Synonyms by Register & Formality
Antonyms & Opposites
Nuance Analysis & Word Contrasts
Malevolence implies a deep-seated, often cold-blooded desire to see others suffer. Unlike 'spite,' which can be reactive or petty, 'malevolence' suggests a more pervasive, fundamental character trait or a calculated intent to inflict harm. It is more formal and weightier than 'meanness' and carries a more sinister, deliberate quality than 'animosity,' which may arise from specific interpersonal conflict.
malevolence vs malice
Malice is often used to describe a specific intent to harm in a legal or immediate context, whereas malevolence describes a broader, more ingrained disposition toward evil.
malevolence vs malignity
Malignity carries a more intense, almost pathological connotation, often implying a destructive or cancerous quality that actively seeks to ruin its target.