Malevolent: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'malevolent' to describe someone or something with a strong desire to cause harm or evil toward others. This term often suggests a deeply ingrained intention to harm.

• He gave her a malevolent stare that made her shudder.
• The malevolent spirit haunted the old mansion.

It is used when describing actions or comments that are intended to harm, hurt, or upset someone. 'Malicious' often implies a deliberate and spiteful intention, but not necessarily deeply rooted evil.

• She spread malicious rumors about her coworker.
• The hacker performed a malicious attack on the website.

This term can be used to describe actions, people, or things that are morally wrong or evil. It is a more general term and can occasionally be used in a lighter, more colloquial sense, for instance, to describe something impressively good in an informal context, but in the context of evil, it denotes a clear moral wrongdoing.

• The wicked stepmother treated Cinderella harshly.
• He has a wicked sense of humor.

This word works well when describing something that suggests evil, harm, or a sense of danger. 'Sinister' often carries a sense of foreboding or ominous intent.

• There was something sinister about the abandoned house.
• His sinister smile made her feel uneasy.

This word is particularly useful in fantasy or fairy-tale contexts to describe evil actions or intentions. It often has a dramatic and storybook-like quality.

• The maleficent witch cast a spell on the princess.
• Her maleficent laughter echoed through the dark woods.

Used to describe someone or something with a strong desire to cause harm or evil intentionally. It often implies a deep-rooted malicious intent.

• The villain in the story is portrayed as a malevolent character who takes pleasure in others' suffering.
• Her malevolent grin sent shivers down my spine.

Refers to something that causes physical, emotional, or reputational harm. It is often used in contexts where the harm is not necessarily intentional but still significant.

• The hurricane left a trail of damaging effects on the city.
• Spreading false rumors can be very damaging to someone's reputation.

Used when something causes a great deal of damage, especially when it results in complete ruin or abolition. It often describes extensive physical harm or damage over a wide area.

• The earthquake had a destructive impact on the entire region.
• His rage was so intense that it became destructive to his relationships.

Describes something that is harmful in a gradual, subtle way. Often used in contexts where the harm is not immediately obvious but becomes significant over time.

• The pernicious effects of smoking may not be noticeable immediately, but they are deadly over time.
• There is a pernicious rumor spreading through the office that is creating mistrust among the employees.

Commonly applied to substances or environments that are harmful to health. It can also be used metaphorically to describe harmful ideas or people.

• The factory was fined for releasing noxious fumes into the atmosphere.
• His noxious influence on the team led to many conflicts and issues.