as vindictive as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as vindictive as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's level of vindictiveness to that of another person or thing. Example: "She was as vindictive as her ex-husband, always seeking revenge for the smallest slights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"As vindictive as he was?

The New York Times

The character is as vindictive as her husband but in her own way.

Independent

This is a man who is as vindictive as he is mediocre -- willing to use his power to undercut those around him, but with no interest in overachieving.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are very few things about America that are as vindictive and self-defeating as its deportation machine.

The Economist

In magazine articles and on campaign stumps he savaged the Versailles treaty as vindictive and the gold standard as a "barbarous relic".

The Economist

Forgetting all the grim allusions to affairs of state (or inter-ministerial "karaoke sessions" as one of Sarkozy's more entertaining wives once described them), what the latest scandal teaches us is that the court of the French head of state is as vindictive and cruel as it was in the days of Marie Antoinette and her husband Louis XVI.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vince Cable described it as "vindictive," "ideological" and "provocative".

The Guardian - Opinion

An article on the New York attorney general portrayed him as vindictive and politically opportunistic.

The New York Times

He dismissed as "vindictive" any lingering suggestions that William's relatives were involved in his abduction.

The Guardian

But the defense lawyers said they would ask the judge to dismiss the perjury charges as vindictive.

The New York Times

"I've been surprised to see some people characterize this as vindictive," he said, adding that there was a "real need" for affordable housing here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by diversifying your comparative language; consider synonyms like "as spiteful as", "equally vengeful", or "just as malicious" for more nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "as vindictive as" to describe situations or actions that are simply assertive or protective. Vindictiveness implies a desire for revenge and malicious intent, not just standing up for oneself or others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as vindictive as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe someone or something by comparing their level of vindictiveness to another. This comparative construction highlights the degree to which someone is inclined to seek revenge or harbor resentment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as vindictive as" is a comparative phrase used to describe someone's tendency to seek revenge or harbor resentment, drawing a direct comparison to another entity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to ensure the comparison is apt and relevant to the context. Alternatives like ""equally vengeful"" or ""just as spiteful"" can offer nuanced expression. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating a neutral register suitable for general discussions and reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally vengeful

Changes the adjective to 'vengeful', emphasizing the desire for revenge.

just as spiteful

Replaces 'vindictive' with 'spiteful', focusing on maliciousness.

as revengeful as

Swaps 'vindictive' for 'revengeful', highlighting the act of seeking revenge.

similarly malicious

Uses 'malicious' to emphasize the intent to do harm.

comparably resentful

Substitutes 'vindictive' with 'resentful', suggesting a feeling of bitterness.

equally bitter

Replaces 'vindictive' with 'bitter', focusing on the feeling of resentment.

just as unforgiving

Uses 'unforgiving' to describe the inability to pardon offenses.

as prone to retribution

Emphasizes the tendency to seek retribution or punishment.

of comparable malevolence

Highlights the evil or harmful intent behind the actions.

similarly prone to seek revenge

Focuses on the tendency and desire to get revenge.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "as vindictive as" in a sentence?

Use "as vindictive as" to compare two subjects in terms of their desire for revenge or spitefulness. For example, "His actions were "as vindictive as" one could imagine, seeking to punish even the smallest offenses".

What are some alternatives to "as vindictive as"?

You can use alternatives like "equally vengeful", "just as spiteful", or "similarly malicious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "as vindictive as a snake"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, ensure the comparison is apt and not based on harmful stereotypes. You can also say, "Someone is "as deceptive as a snake"" or "Someone is "as cold-blooded as a snake"".

How does "as vindictive as" differ from "somewhat vindictive"?

"As vindictive as" directly compares two subjects, implying a similar level of vengefulness. "Somewhat vindictive" describes a single subject, indicating a mild degree of vengefulness without making a comparison. You can say: "He was "somewhat vindictive"".