What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spiteful
Example
She made spiteful comments about her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. [spiteful: adjective]
Example
He acted spitefully towards his coworker after not getting the promotion. [spitefully: adverb]
nasty
Example
The food had a nasty smell and taste. [nasty: adjective]
Example
She gave him a nasty look when he interrupted her. [nasty: adjective]
Example
The weather turned nasty, and they had to cancel their plans. [nasty: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nasty is more commonly used than spiteful in everyday language. Nasty is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spiteful is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spiteful and nasty?
Both spiteful and nasty are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, nasty is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels than spiteful.
