1. the quality or state of having or showing ill will; malicious behavior or attitude

Examples

• The villain’s malevolence was evident in his cruel smile.
• She sensed the malevolence in his voice when he spoke to her.
• The dictator ruled with such malevolence that citizens lived in constant fear.
• There was no malevolence in her criticism; she genuinely wanted to help.
• The malevolence of the storm seemed to target their small town.
• His eyes gleamed with malevolence as he plotted his revenge.