Mean
Mean adjective - Having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it.
Usage example: a mean, embittered old woman who wanted company for her misery
Vindictive is a synonym for mean. In some cases you can use "Vindictive" instead an adjective "Mean".
Vindictive
Vindictive adjective - Likely to seek revenge.
Usage example: be careful not to annoy the vindictive old woman who lives down the street
Mean is a synonym for vindictive in spiteful topic. You can use "Mean" instead an adjective "Vindictive".
Nearby Word: vindictively
Mutual synonyms
Both words in one sentence
-
Hazing New Meat is par for the course, and cutthroat competition makes almost everyone mean and vindictive.
Source: Film / Ender's Game -
But the effect is somewhat spoiled by her being mean and vindictive.
Source: Ms Fanservice / Live-Action TV - However, just because everybody makes fun of the Freak, doesn't mean you can be spiteful and vindictive.
Source: Resident Freak
Cite this Source
Vindictive and Mean. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/mean/vindictive
Mean & Vindictive. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/mean/vindictive>.
Vindictive or Mean. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/mean/vindictive.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "mean" and "vindictive" have occurred on timeline