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View synonyms for vindictive

vindictive

[ vin-dik-tiv ]

adjective

  1. disposed or inclined to revenge; vengeful:

    a vindictive person.

    Synonyms: unforgiving

    Antonyms: forgiving

  2. proceeding from or showing a revengeful spirit:

    vindictive rumors.



vindictive

/ vɪnˈdɪktɪv /

adjective

  1. disposed to seek vengeance
  2. characterized by spite or rancour
  3. English law (of damages) in excess of the compensation due to the plaintiff and imposed in punishment of the defendant
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • vinˈdictively, adverb
  • vinˈdictiveness, noun
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Other Words From

  • vin·dic·tive·ly adverb
  • vin·dic·tive·ness noun
  • un·vin·dic·tive adjective
  • un·vin·dic·tive·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vindictive1

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin vindict(a) “vengeance” + -ive
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Word History and Origins

Origin of vindictive1

C17: from Latin vindicta revenge, from vindicāre to vindicate
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Sometimes, pointing out the issue will only make the gaslighter double-down — even make them angry, violent or vindictive.

She has corroborating evidence—but not too much evidence because that would indicate she’s vindictive and planned to speak out.

From Time

Kempfer also pointed to Putin's KGB background and his penchant for being ruthlessly vindictive against any perceived threat.

Many were included in Snyder’s needlessly vindictive legal filings against his former executive Bruce Allen, amid his feuding with former partners.

Witnesses also described an environment in the governor’s office that was abusive and vindictive, with one of the women who came forward targeted for retaliation through the release of her personnel file, investigators said.

Preening, arrogant, vindictive, and inexorable; awash with cash; corrupt; in bed with corporate America and big finance.

A lady developer was harassed by her vindictive ex-boyfriend.

The double standard of sexualization is hypocritical at best and ineffectively vindictive at worse.

Ever had a petty and vindictive boss, competent only at deflecting blame for his own shortcomings?

One person who could feel vindictive toward Greig, but does not, is Teresa Stanley.

Felton retired from the service with the rank of lieutenant, disgusted and vindictive at having juniors promoted over his head.

Yes, it is vindictive, I know; one does not grow tender towards the enemy at the grave of Ellen Jervis.

What other passion than frenzied pride can render men so ferocious, so vindictive, so devoid of toleration and gentleness?

And I wont have to kill an uncle to do it, either, he added, with a vindictive glance at OLeary as he left the room.

To master with more certainty her understanding, they would render her austere, intolerant, and vindictive.

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More About Vindictive

What does vindictive mean?

Vindictive is usually used to describe someone who’s known for frequently seeking revenge. It can also be used to describe the vengeful actions of such a person.

A person described as vindictive is usually someone who holds a grudge and who always tries to get back at people who they think have wronged them in some way. Vindictive people retaliate against others for any insult or perceived slight. Vindictive people do not let things go.

The word is always used negatively to imply criticism of such people or actions.

Example: I’ve never seen someone so vindictive—he’s obsessed with getting back at everyone who has ever slighted him, even when it happened years ago.

Where does vindictive come from?

The first records of the word vindictive come from the early 1600s. It comes from the Latin vindicta, meaning “revenge,” from the verb vindicāre, “to vindicate.”

A single action can be called vindictive if it’s particularly spiteful. But the word is most commonly used to describe people who show a pattern of seeking revenge for even the slightest slights, even those that were unintended. The retaliation of a vindictive person can come in many forms, but you can be pretty sure that it will come in some form. That’s because vindictive people do not forgive and forget.

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What are some other forms of vindictive?

  • vindictively (adverb)
  • vindictiveness (noun)

What are some synonyms for vindictive?

What are some words that share a root or word element with vindictive

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing vindictive?

 

How is vindictive used in real life?

Vindictive is always used negatively to criticize someone for being focused on revenge.

 

 

Try using vindictive!

Which of the following words does NOT describe someone considered vindictive?

A. forgiving
B. vengeful
C. venomous
D. grudging

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