WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
spite•ful /ˈspaɪtfəl/USA pronunciation adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- full of spite:mean and spiteful to his little sister.
spite•ful
(spīt′fəl),USA pronunciation adj.
spite′ful•ly, adv.
spite′ful•ness, n.
- full of spite or malice;
showing spite;
malicious;
malevolent;
venomous:a spiteful child.
- 1400–50; late Middle English; see spite, -ful
spite′ful•ness, n.
- vengeful, mean, cruel, rancorous. Spiteful, revengeful, vindictive refer to a desire to inflict a wrong or injury on someone, usually in return for one received. Spiteful implies a mean or malicious desire for (often petty) revenge:a spiteful attitude toward a former friend.Revengeful implies a deep, powerful, and continued intent to repay a wrong:a fierce and revengeful spirit.Vindictive does not imply action necessarily, but stresses the unforgiving nature of the avenger:a vindictive look.
- benevolent.
'spitefulness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):