What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vengeful
Example
She was vengeful towards her ex-boyfriend after he cheated on her. [vengeful: adjective]
Example
He vowed to take vengeful action against those who had wronged him. [vengeful: adjective]
vindictive
Example
She was vindictive towards her coworker who got the promotion she wanted. [vindictive: adjective]
Example
He was accused of being vindictive towards his former business partner. [vindictive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vengeful is more commonly used than vindictive in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vengeful and vindictive?
Both vengeful and vindictive are informal words, but vindictive may be considered more negative and therefore less appropriate in formal contexts.
