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

“I think the way you ask the question, with the anger and the meanness, is terrible. You go back and learn how to be a reporter. No more questions from you.”

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

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

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2025

He just had the most genuinely funny mind without trying and even when it was aimed at you, chiding you, there was never meanness or malice.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Zara was a fun, caring friend, but she was capable of meanness.

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee

meanness

Example Sentences

Related Words