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Showing results for meanness. Search instead for meannesse.
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.

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

Another said the demon’s “ludicrous meanness destroys the terror which is the soul of the scene.”

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023

At which point the revelry mixed with meanness abated and King Walker handed Milkman his Winchester .22.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison