Malevolent/məˈlevələnt/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Tone Malevolent has a strong negative tone, signaling harmful intentions or evil. The malevolent glint in his eyes foretold trouble. Pro Tip 2/3Strong Emotion Use 'malevolent' to describe deep and intense ill will or maliciousness. The dictator's malevolent rule caused the people great suffering. Pro Tip 3/3Not Petty 'Malevolent' is more serious than simply being unkind or petty. The malevolent witch cursed the entire kingdom.