1
Core quality
Motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
Example
The dismissal appeared vindictive rather than necessary.
vindictive
/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ · vin-DIK-tivadjective
Motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
Use vindictive to express this relationship precisely: motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
What vindictive Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
She criticized the decision without becoming vindictive.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A vindictive ruler punished even minor disagreement.
Use vindictive Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The dismissal appeared vindictive rather than necessary.
She criticized the decision without becoming vindictive.
A vindictive ruler punished even minor disagreement.
Precision Matters
Vindictive overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
vindictive
vs.Means motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
nefarious
Means wicked, immoral, or criminal.
vindictive
vs.Means motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
irate
Means extremely angry.
vindictive
vs.Means motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
benevolent
Means well-meaning, kindly, and inclined to help others.
vindictive
vs.Means motivated by a strong desire to punish or hurt someone in revenge for a perceived wrong.
placate
Means make an angry, dissatisfied, or hostile person calmer and less likely to oppose or retaliate.
Test vindictive in Context
The campaign seeks revenge for a perceived personal wrong.
1
After the journalist criticized him, the mayor launched a ___ campaign intended solely to damage her career.