# maliciously

**Pronunciation:** /məˈlɪʃəsli/ · muh-LISH-uhs-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that shows a desire to harm someone or something; with ill will or spite.

## Examples

- The hacker maliciously deleted all the company's data, causing significant financial loss.
- She spread rumors about her colleague maliciously, hoping to get them fired.
- The software was designed to maliciously attack other systems once installed.

## Synonyms

- spitefully — Emphasizes a petty desire to annoy or hurt.
- wickedly — Suggests moral evil or great unkindness, often with a playful or dramatic tone.
- malevolently — Implies deep, intense hatred and a desire for evil to befall others.
- venomously — Suggests extreme bitterness and hostility, often in speech or writing.

## Antonyms

- benevolently — Acting with kindness and goodwill.
- kindly — In a gentle, friendly, or generous manner.

## Collocations

- maliciously attack — The software was designed to maliciously attack vulnerable systems.
- maliciously spread — False information was maliciously spread online to influence public opinion.
- maliciously damage — He was accused of maliciously damaging public property.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/maliciously

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)
