the intention or desire to do evil; ill will, the quality of being full of, characterized by, or showing malice

with malice toward none, malice in one's heart, malice of forethought

malice aforethought, malicious gossip, malicious software

Formal and Informal Expressions of malice

In different contexts, you can replace 'malice' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'ill will, malevolence' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'spite, hate' is a commonplace synonym.

malice: Explore its Definition & Usage

malice Definition

1the intention or desire to do evil; ill will
2the quality of being full of, characterized by, or showing malice

Using malice: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "malice" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He bore no malice towards her.
Example
The attack was motivated by malice.
Example
She spoke with malice in her voice.
Example
The article was written with malice.

malice Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for malice

malevolence
hatred
enmity
spite
ill will

Antonyms for malice

Idioms Using malice

with malice toward none
without any ill will or hostility towards anyone
Example
In his inaugural address, President Lincoln called for 'malice toward none' and 'charity for all.'
malice in one's heart
the intention or desire to do harm to someone
Example
She could see the malice in his heart and knew that he was not to be trusted.
malice of forethought
the deliberate intention to commit a harmful act, especially one that is illegal or immoral
Example
The judge found that the defendant had acted with malice of forethought and sentenced him to life in prison.

Phrases with malice

malice aforethought
the intention to kill or harm, which distinguishes murder from other unlawful homicides
Example
The prosecution argued that the defendant had malice aforethought when he committed the murder.
malicious gossip
spreading rumors or lies about someone with the intention of causing harm or damage to their reputation
Example
She was hurt by the malicious gossip that was being spread about her.
malicious software
software designed to harm a computer system or network, such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
Example
The company's network was infected with malicious software, causing significant damage to their data.

Origins of malice

from Old French 'malice', from Latin 'malitia', meaning 'badness' or 'wickedness'

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Summary: malice in Brief

The term 'malice' [ˈmælɪs] refers to the intention or desire to do evil, often accompanied by ill will. It can also describe the quality of being full of malice, as in 'She spoke with malice in her voice.' The phrase 'malice aforethought' denotes the intention to kill or harm, while 'malicious software' refers to software designed to harm computer systems. Idioms like 'with malice toward none' and 'malice in one's heart' further illustrate the concept of ill will.