Definitions

meanness

[meen-nis] / ˈmin nɪs /

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the quality of being mean n.
a mean action n.

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.

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meanness

Perhaps best of all: The movie has a gritty, charming meanness to it; a stickiness that’s hard to shake off.

From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026

But Mr. Cornyn has no gift for meanness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 27, 2026

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

From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2025

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

There was no meanness in it, and I knew she could tell that, because her shoulders relaxed a bit and she let out a relieved sigh.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

meanness

Example Sentences

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