ILL WILL Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ill will

noun

Definition of ill will next

as in hostility

an unfriendly feeling; a feeling of dislike We bear no ill will toward each other.

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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

Political discussions at work can often lead to unproductive outcomes, fostering division and hostility among colleagues.

Jason Walker, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Qassem remained in his role when Nasrallah became leader, and has long been one of Hezbollah's leading spokesmen, conducting interviews with foreign media, including while cross-border hostilities with Israel raged over the last year.

Reuters, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024