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grudge 1 of 2

Definition of grudgenext

grudge

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun grudge differ from other similar words?

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

never one to harbor a grudge

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

The words ill will and grudge can be used in similar contexts, but ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration.

ill will provoked by a careless remark

When could malevolence be used to replace grudge?

Although the words malevolence and grudge have much in common, malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct.

a look of dark malevolence

When might malice be a better fit than grudge?

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

felt no malice toward their former enemies

When is malignity a more appropriate choice than grudge?

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

a life consumed by motiveless malignity

In what contexts can spite take the place of grudge?

In some situations, the words spite and grudge 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 can spleen be used instead of grudge?

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

venting his spleen against politicians

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grudge
Noun
Tim reveals a lifelong grudge stemming from an old audition, where Kelly won a key role with Schneider, deeply affecting Tim’s career. Robert Lang, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2025 And a rivalry richer with personal grudges. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025
Verb
So who could this grudge-holding mystery actress be? Justin Curto, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025 Emotional players are fun because there is nothing greater than watching a contestant with a grudge ignore logic, reason, and strategy to exact that grudge at all costs. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 28 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for grudge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grudge
Noun
  • And the government’s insistence that Iranians must make sacrifices for distant causes breeds resentment rather than unity.
    Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Juggling careers and kids takes a toll on families, and housework often is fraught with resentments over who is doing it.
    Tracee M. Herbaugh, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • After years of fighting for its survival in the face of hacks and growing regulatory hostility, crypto’s fortunes abruptly change.
    Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Jewish and civil rights groups blasted the move as weakening safeguards, fueling criticism that Mamdani’s early agenda signals hostility toward Israel and the Jewish community.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, if moderates – disliked by the base but much more electable nationally – win, then Democrats stand to avoid a 1994-style blowout, and may even be set up for a 1996-style victory.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The treatment offers more flexibility and an alternative for those who dislike needles used in injectable medication.
    Reuters, NBC news, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The protests began last week with economic grievances as the Iranian currency, the rial, tanked.
    Henry Austin, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This is upsetting Strasbourg’s supporters, and their grievances are multi-pronged.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some viewers will know Rapaport from his decadeslong acting career but also that one very irritating season of Justified; others will know him for his anti-Palestinian rants and hatred of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026
  • This is not to say that rape can be separated from the hatred of women, just that, in certain situations, the role of the victim can be violently reassigned.
    S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • According to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched in November to a residence in the Linville community of Marion after a caller reported a neighbor standing in their driveway screaming and refusing to leave the property despite having been warned previously.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Some exemptions for law enforcement agencies exist, but Cal-OSHA claims the sheriff’s office refused to prove its exemption, according to court documents.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Of the many types of basil, the classic Italian 'Treviso' variety stands out for resisting bitterness, staying tender longer, and being slow to flower even as summer heats up.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Red flags included bitterness or any metallic notes the beans may have picked up during processing.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • He was charged with first-degree murder but denied any involvement.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Squeeze Burger announced Tuesday that its sole remaining brick-and-mortar in Roseville is set to close later this month, after its proposal for a new lease was reportedly denied.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grudge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grudge. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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