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vindictively

vindictively

1 8.1
In a way that tries to hurt someone because you want revenge
  • adverb
  • /vɪnˈdɪktɪvli/
translation icon : vengativamente
  • Like, I don't, I don't, I don't love watching stories of people vindictively, dishonestly going to the start line.

Examples

  • "He wrote a vindictively harsh review of the restaurant after they failed to accommodate his requests."

  • "The coach vindictively benched the player who had criticized his decisions in front of the team."

  • She picked up a sugar cookie and crunched on it vindictively.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Because as Governor, he didn't vindictively ruin a company based on unspecified complaints not proven to have any merit?

    Blog text (3)
  • He's not enveloped in a red mist that sees him vindictively lashing out at all and sundry.

    Blog text (12)
  • As David Walsh has pointed out, the UCI are vindictively suing only Kimmage and not the publications in which those accusations appeared (that includes us!).

    Blog text (13)
  • "She wanted to get back at her ex-boyfriend, so she acted vindictively by spreading rumors about him."

Synonyms

maliciously
vsvindictively
10 7.1

In a way that wants to hurt someone or cause trouble

is specifically aimed at retaliating rather than causing harm generally
spitefully
vsvindictively
2 7.0

To do something to hurt or upset someone on purpose

is specifically motivated by revenge rather than simple spite
nastily
vsvindictively
2 5.1

In an unpleasant, angry, or mean way

is motivated by revenge rather than just being unpleasant or angry
meanly
vsvindictively
1 7.0

In a cruel way that shows unkind feelings and hurts others

emphasizes revenge desire rather than general cruelty or dishonor
venomously
vsvindictively
  • Formal
1 8.2

Saying or doing things with very strong anger and hate toward someone

focuses more on revenge and retaliation than general hostility
vengefully
vsvindictively
1 6.8

In a way that shows a strong wish to punish someone for something they did

is about acting from revenge and spite rather than other motives
cattily
vsvindictively
1 8.9

Says things in a mean, slightly cruel way to hurt someone

is motivated by revenge rather than subtle social cruelty
revengefully
vsvindictively
6.9

Doing something to hurt someone who hurt you

is driven by revenge motive rather than general malice
meanspiritedly
vsvindictively
  • Offensive
8.5

In a mean way that tries to hurt someone

focuses on retaliation and deliberate revenge rather than petty meanness
bitchily
vsvindictively
  • Offensive
9.9

In a mean, unkind way that aims to hurt someone

aims particularly at retaliation rather than merely insulting or offending

Antonyms

In a kind way that shows care for people who are suffering

1 4.4

In a kind way that does not stay angry

How Vindictive

vengefully
1 6.8
vindictively
1 8.1
maliciously
10 7.1
spitefully
2 7.0

Surface Forms

vindictively positive
vindictively comparative
vindictively superlative

Morphology

vindictively = vindictive (transparent) = vindictive + ly

The adverb 'vindictively' is transparently formed from the adjective 'vindictive' by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

The word vindictively comes from the Latin vindicta, meaning 'revenge', and the verb vindicare, 'to claim' or 'to punish'. So to act vindictively is to behave from a wish for revenge, trying to get back at someone, and it is the same root as the English vindictive.