Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

meanness

[meen-nis] / ˈmin nɪs /
NOUN
the quality of being mean
Synonyms
STRONGEST
avarice greed malice
STRONG
abjection baseness beastliness closeness corruptness covetousness debasement degeneracy degradation disrepute frugality infamy iniquity lowness malignity miserliness parsimony pettiness rapacity shamelessness sordidness stinginess unkindness unscrupulousness unworthiness wickedness
WEAK
churlishness contemptibleness ill temper knavishness smallmindedness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
benevolence generosity
STRONG
goodness honor morality virtue
WEAK
nobility worthiness
NOUN
a mean action
Synonyms
STRONG
belittling cheating scolding
WEAK
coveting deceiving defaming defrauding degrading dishonoring groveling grudging quarreling shaming sneaking
Antonyms
WEAK
generosity nobility worthiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Railroaded” evokes the meanness of New York in those years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Rourke later apologised to Siwa, and told the housemates he "didn't say it out of meanness".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025

To the millions who greedily gobbled up scuttlebutt about her legendary meanness over the years, this is far from a news flash.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2024

He added: “I never want people to think I have a hint of malice or meanness towards anyone, ever, that’s why I’m saying all this.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

“I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness.

From "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck