C2nounemotionsrelationships
US/ˈmæl.ɪs/
UK/ˈmæl.ɪs/
the wish to harm or upset other people
In context
I'm sure he forgot your birthday by accident, not out of malice.
The rumors about her were spread with pure malice by a jealous colleague.
There was no malice in his joke, but it still hurt her feelings.
Words that go with malice
noun + preposition
- malice towardI feel no malice toward my former business partner.
- hint of maliceThere was a hint of malice in her sweet smile.
- act of malicePolice believe the fire was a deliberate act of malice.
adjective + noun
- pure maliceDeleting her files the night before the deadline was pure malice.
- sheer maliceThe fake reviews were posted out of sheer malice.
verb + noun
- bear maliceShe says she doesn't bear malice toward anyone who criticized her.