Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm or evil. malicious acts are typically driven by a desire to cause pain, distress, or damage to others or their property. The intent behind a malicious action is often premediated and deliberate, distinguishing it from accidental or unintentional harm. A malicious individual may derive pleasure or satisfaction from the suffering they inflict, demonstrating a disregard for the well-being of others. This word is often applied to both people and things, referring to those that have a disposition or tendency to cause harm or damage.
Malicious meaning with examples
- The hacker deployed a malicious virus designed to corrupt the company's entire database, effectively crippling their operations and causing them significant financial losses and reputational damage.
- Her malicious gossip, spread with the explicit intention of damaging Sarah's reputation, ultimately led to Sarah losing her job and struggling with feelings of deep self-doubt and isolation.
- The disgruntled employee, motivated by resentment after being fired, engaged in malicious destruction of company property, including smashing computers and vandalizing the office space.
- The anonymous online comments were clearly malicious in nature, filled with hateful language and personal attacks intended to intimidate and silence the dissenting voices in the forum.
Malicious Synonyms
evil harmful injurious malevolent malignant pernicious rancorous spiteful venomous vicious wickedMalicious Antonyms
altruistic benevolent benign compassionate friendly good harmless innocent kind well-meaningMalicious Crossword Answers
3 Letters
ILL
4 Letters
MEAN EVIL
5 Letters
CATTY SNIDE NASTY
6 Letters
WANTON
8 Letters
SPITEFUL
9 Letters
DASTARDLY MALIGNANT
10 Letters
MALEVOLENT