malevolent

/məˈlɛvələnt/adjective

Wanting to hurt others or wishing them harm.

Example sentences

“The villain in the story gives the hero a malevolent glare.”
“The malevolent witch cursed the village for insulting her.”

Literary in tone. Pairs with 'benevolent' as its exact opposite; both come from Latin words for wishing.

Synonyms for malevolent

malicious
spiteful
evil
wicked
hostile

Antonyms

benevolent
kind

Find it in: Advanced English words, Words to describe a person.

Related words

moroseGloomy and bad-tempered, saying little and looking unhappy.jadedTired, bored, or no longer excited because you have had too much of something.irresoluteUnable to make up one's mind; hesitant about what to do.irascibleQuick to lose one's temper; easily made angry.obdurateRefusing to change your behaviour or admit you are wrong, no matter what anyone says.insolentRude and disrespectful in words or behavior.