ill will

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ill will differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ill will are grudge, malevolence, malice, malignity, spite, and spleen. While all these words mean "the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress," ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

Where would grudge be a reasonable alternative to ill will?

Although the words grudge and ill will have much in common, grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

never one to harbor a grudge

When is malevolence a more appropriate choice than ill will?

The synonyms malevolence and ill will are sometimes interchangeable, but malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When is it sensible to use malice instead of ill will?

While the synonyms malice and ill will are close in meaning, malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer.

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When would malignity be a good substitute for ill will?

The words malignity and ill will are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness.

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

When can spite be used instead of ill will?

In some situations, the words spite and ill will are roughly equivalent. However, spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments.

petty insults inspired by spite

When might spleen be a better fit than ill will?

The meanings of spleen and ill will largely overlap; however, spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice.

venting his spleen against politicians

Examples of ill will in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Speaking with Charlamagne tha God for a one-on-one discussion on Friday, Aug. 2, before the release of Sean's new album Better Me Than You, the 36-year-old Detroit MC explained that there's no ill will between him and Lamar, 37. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024 Although the Tucker Corporation raised $17 million in an industry-leading stock IPO, the ill will of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and some politicians, doomed the company, which was bankrupt by March of 1949. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 July 2024 However, a contingent of fans also defended Monét while clapping back at those campaigning against Brown’s popularity and success, pointing to his staying power and in spite of the ill will against him and his contrition regarding his past missteps. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Scott, however, bears no ill will toward the Australian star. Dan Heching, CNN, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ill will 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill will
Noun
  • The spike in homophobia and homophobic violence has led Ivorian gay communities and human rights groups to express concerns that the hostility could endanger the country's reputation for comparative tolerance.
    Tess Foley-Cox, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
  • That fear stems from the hostility crypto experienced under the current administration.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The charges included malice murder, felony murder, concealing the death of another, false report of a crime and making a false statement.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • After six hours of jury deliberation, Leilani Simon, 24, was convicted of all 19 charges against her on Friday, including malice murder, concealing the death of another and multiple counts of making a false statement, WTOC reported.
    Christina Coulter, Fox News, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Accordingly, Russia, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria and other countries run by autocrats with grudges against the United States would once again dominate global energy markets.
    Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • But Mamá Elena is still nursing an old grudge against Pedro’s rich, ruthless father (Mauricio García Lozano).
    Judy Berman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • By the time this piece comes out, Moo Deng’s appearance on Weekend Update will have been overshadowed by Yang kissing Ariana Grande in a skit about family charades gone awry and Mariah Carey protesting the cruelty of overhead lighting on Las Culturistas.
    Sarah Burke, Them, 23 Oct. 2024
  • Wilder’s film, for all its offbeat humor and quotable zingers, was always about the ugliness of Hollywood and the monstrous cruelty of an industry that drains its players like a vampire does its victims.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near ill will

Cite this Entry

“Ill will.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill%20will. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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