malicious thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

"malicious thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's unkind ideas or actions which cause harm to others. For example, "John had to confront his malicious thoughts and take responsibility for his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But I also knew from obsessively reading fertility blogs that there are women with malicious thoughts, who stare murderous daggers at the sight of any pregnant woman, women who can't stand to be anywhere there are children.

The New York Times

Think evil like killing the person or malicious thoughts, it makes your eyes seem different.

WikiHow

If you decide to follow through with your malicious thoughts that start brewing in your head, what would the outcome be?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But then again, maybe he's just sitting there, thinking, without a menacing or malicious thought in his head.

The New York Times - Magazine

Could the right malicious actor even change your thoughts?

TechCrunch

Then, bitterly aware that this is not the case, you briefly entertain the thought that the malicious pill may be diverted by some sympathetic gust of wind, or bounce back towards the square off the downy breast of a low-flying goose.

The Guardian - Sport

Eddy's idea of malicious animal magnetism marked another distinction (that people can be harmed by the bad thoughts of others), introducing an element of fear that was absent from the New Thought literature.

Wikipedia

Despite her view that evil does not exist, an important element of Christian Science theology is that evil thought, in the form of malicious animal magnetism, can cause harm, even if the harm is only apparent.

Wikipedia

So at least there will be independent ethicists working to minimize the potential for malicious use of Facebook's brain-reading technology to steal or police people's thoughts.

TechCrunch

Rather, these are egregious, malicious and clearly intentional violations of my copyrighted work, intellectual property, my ideas, my thoughts, my creativity, my actual TV show -- my money!

Huffington Post

It adds: "We would have welcomed your reflective thoughts as to the cause of this unlawful behaviour; was it incompetence and/or malicious?" The letter, dated 15 April, says Blake offers nothing in her letter "that might break the culture of bad practice (to be defended at taxpayer expense) that has been shown by the case to exist in our borough".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "malicious thoughts", consider the intensity of the negativity you wish to convey. This phrase is appropriate when describing ideas that cause clear harm to others. Use other alternatives that better represent the concept of negativity, if the intensity of the negativity you wish to convey is not that strong.

Common error

Avoid using "malicious thoughts" when the intention is merely to express disagreement or dislike. "Malicious" implies a deliberate intention to harm, which is stronger than simple negativity or opposition. Instead, use adjectives like "negative", "unpleasant" or "critical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "malicious thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "malicious" modifies the noun "thoughts". It describes a specific type of thought characterized by ill will or intent to cause harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and is used to define unkind ideas or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "malicious thoughts" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe ideas or intentions rooted in ill will and designed to inflict harm. While recognized by Ludwig AI as usable in written English, it is relatively infrequent but understandable, appearing most commonly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context genuinely reflects a deliberate intent to cause harm, distinguishing it from mere negativity or disagreement. Consider alternative phrases like "evil intentions" or "harmful ideas" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evil intentions

Emphasizes the planning and purpose behind harmful actions.

harmful ideas

Focuses on the potential for damage caused by certain beliefs.

wicked schemes

Implies a cunning and elaborate plan to cause trouble.

malevolent desires

Highlights the strong wish to inflict harm or suffering.

spiteful notions

Suggests petty and resentful ideas.

vengeful impulses

Focuses on the urge to retaliate or seek revenge.

destructive urges

Highlights the potential for damage or ruin.

pernicious designs

Implies a subtle and insidious plan to cause harm.

nefarious plans

Emphasizes the extreme wickedness or villainy of the plot.

sinister motives

Focuses on the hidden and potentially dangerous reasons behind someone's actions.

FAQs

What does "malicious thoughts" mean?

"Malicious thoughts" refer to unkind ideas or actions that are intended to cause harm or suffering to others.

How can I use "malicious thoughts" in a sentence?

You can use "malicious thoughts" to describe someone's intent to harm others, for example: "He was consumed by "evil thoughts"".

What are some synonyms for "malicious thoughts"?

Some synonyms for "malicious thoughts" include "evil intentions", "harmful ideas", and "wicked schemes".

What is the difference between "malicious thoughts" and "negative thoughts"?

"Malicious thoughts" imply an intent to cause harm, while "negative thoughts" are simply unpleasant or pessimistic ideas without necessarily an intention to cause damage.