vengeful
Out for payback
Vengeful describes someone seeking revenge or motivated by a desire to retaliate for a wrong.
A vengeful ex-spouse makes life difficult after divorce.
A vengeful god punishes transgressions.
The word suggests sustained, deliberate hostility rather than momentary anger: She was vengeful for years after the betrayal.
Wanting to hurt others
- maliciousMeaning to do harm
- malevolentHarboring ill will
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
- cruelWillfully causing suffering
mean · petty · nasty · vicious · catty · snide · scornful · contemptuous
Intense violent anger
enraged · infuriated · seething · livid · fuming · wrathful · indignation · vitriol
Punishment for wrongdoing
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- reprisalPunitive action in return
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
comeuppance · tit-for-tat · counterstrike · counterattack · backlash · settling scores · getting even · blood feud
Sharp, unpleasant taste
- resentfulFeeling lingering ill will
- grievanceFormal claim of unfairness
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
ill-will · hostility · enmity · malice · acrimony · umbrage · pique · dudgeon
Incapable of being pacified
- unrelentingRefusing to let up
- inexorableImpossible to prevent
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- doggedStubbornly persevering
obsessive · fixated · single-minded · unyielding · tenacious · unforgiving · unflinching · unswerving
spiteful
Wanting to hurt others
- maliciousMeaning to do harm
- malevolentHarboring ill will
- vindictiveSeeking harm from resentment
cruel · mean · petty · nasty · vicious · catty · snide · scornful · contemptuous · sadistic
fury
Intense violent anger
incensed · enraged · infuriated · seething · livid · fuming · wrathful · indignation · vitriol · smoldering
retribution
Punishment for wrongdoing
nemesis · comeuppance · tit-for-tat · counterstrike · counterattack · backlash · settling scores · getting even · blood feud · vendetta
bitter
Sharp, unpleasant taste
- resentfulFeeling lingering ill will
- grievanceFormal claim of unfairness
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
animosity · ill-will · hostility · enmity · malice · acrimony · umbrage · pique · dudgeon · festering
implacable
Incapable of being pacified
- unrelentingRefusing to let up
- inexorableImpossible to prevent
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
dogged · obsessive · fixated · single-minded · unyielding · tenacious · unforgiving · unflinching · unswerving · determined
vengefulforgiving
Inclined to pardon offenses
merciful · pardoning · magnanimous · clement · forbearing
vengefulcompassionate
Showing concern for sufferers
benevolent · kind · kindhearted · tenderhearted · warmhearted
- vengeful spiritHostile apparition pursuing retaliation
- vengeful ghostSpirit seeking retribution
- vengeful heroProtagonist motivated by retaliation