How to Pronounce Malicious

To pronounce "malicious", say MAL-ic-ious — 3 syllables, IPA /məˈlɪʃəs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

malicious

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/məˈlɪʃəs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “malicious”

"malicious" has 3 syllables: mal-ic-ious. It rhymes with capricious and pernicious, if that helps it stick.

What does malicious mean?

adjective

Of, pertaining to, or as a result of malice or spite
Spiteful and deliberately harmful
“He was sent off for a malicious tackle on Jones.”

Synonyms

evil malevolent

Hear “malicious” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with malicious

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

capricious pernicious surreptitious auspicious propitious judicious ambitious vicious expeditious fictitious suspicious factitious

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "malicious"?▾

"Malicious" has 3 syllables: mal · ic · ious.

What is the IPA transcription of "malicious"?▾

The IPA transcription of "malicious" is /məˈlɪʃəs/.

What does "malicious" mean?▾

Malicious: Of, pertaining to, or as a result of malice or spite

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