Standard Lemma guide

despiteful

adj · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Full of despite; expressing malice or contemptuous hate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective satellite

Meaning 2

showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a despiteful fiend
  • a truly spiteful child
  • a vindictive man will look for occasions for resentment

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: spiteful, vindictive

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From despite + -ful.