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adj

vengeful

VEHNZH-fuhl

Vengeful (adj) means wanting revenge; driven by a desire to punish someone who has wronged you. Example: “The vengeful ex-employee leaked confidential files to a rival company.”

adj
1
Wanting revenge; driven by a desire to punish someone who has wronged you.
"The vengeful ex-employee leaked confidential files to a rival company."

How to use vengeful

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWanting revenge — describes a person, mood, or act motivated by getting even.

Common pairings
vengeful spirit a vengeful god feel vengeful

Word forms

more vengeful comparative, most vengeful superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ ex-employee leaked confidential files to a rival company.

Etymology

Formed from venge (an older verb meaning "to avenge") plus the suffix -ful.

Antonyms

conciliatory forgiving placable unrevengeful unvengeful unvindictive

Related words

Rhymes for vengeful

See all rhymes for vengeful →

Frequently asked questions

What does “vengeful” mean?

The word “vengeful” means wanting revenge; driven by a desire to punish someone who has wronged you. In plain terms, wanting revenge — describes a person, mood, or act motivated by getting even.

How do you pronounce “vengeful”?

“Vengeful” is pronounced VEHNZH-fuhl (/ˈvɛnʒ.fəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “vengeful” in a sentence?

Here is “vengeful” used in a sentence: “The vengeful ex-employee leaked confidential files to a rival company.”

What is the opposite of “vengeful”?

The opposite of “vengeful” — its antonyms — are conciliatory, forgiving, placable, unrevengeful and unvengeful.

What part of speech is “vengeful”?

“Vengeful” is an adjective.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial