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 notesIn plain EnglishWanting revenge — describes a person, mood, or act motivated by getting even.
Common pairings
vengeful spirit
a vengeful god
feel vengeful
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more vengeful
- Superlative
- most vengeful
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.
Synonyms
View more →
revengeful
vindictive
Antonyms
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.
