with nefarious intent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with nefarious intent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are done with malicious or wicked purposes. Example: "The hacker accessed the system with nefarious intent, aiming to steal sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Right-wing outlets are again writing that a "horde of international bureaucrats" will descend on the polls with nefarious intent.

The Washington Post

Even a venipuncture (say, for tissue typing) could be conceived of as shpikhut damim, a spilling of blood with nefarious intent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In theory, anyone with nefarious intent and the requisite training in molecular biology could recreate the virus from the sequence published on the Internet.

The New York Times - Magazine

In his fourth thriller under the name Sam Bourne, Jonathan Freedland invests the scheme with nefarious intent; though of course, it's a while before the reader knows of its existence.

The Guardian - Books

Thom Ruhe, vice president for entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, says: "I'm absolutely certain there will be fraud in the crowdfunding space — it's just too attractive for people with nefarious intent, which is why I hope the S.E.C. is taking all this time to get it right".

The New York Times

This brings up an interesting point about the implicit trust we put into Twitter and how it can easily be hijacked by those with nefarious intent.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In the west, freedom of speech is threatened more by "indifference and sloth," he added, "which is then exploited by those with nefarious intents, be it politicians, the police, transnational corporations and so on.

The Guardian - Books

I offer Joe the scenario that I am a fanatic with a nefarious intent, and I sternly explain that it is important for him to answer my questions candidly because my readers are concerned.

The Guardian

One cannot obtain health care, purchase cellphone service or do necessary things without revealing one's Social Security number, which is used to tie together a multitude of private information about each of us, and permits those with a nefarious intent to steal from us.

The New York Times

After an ongoing slanging match with columnist Andrew Bolt, the communications minister did a prearranged interview with Jones, who also saw nefarious intent in Turnbull's dinner last week with Clive Palmer.

The Guardian

Fans of "Parks and Recreation" have long delighted in the antics of Ron Swanson's ex-wife Tammy, the fiery temptress of a librarian who traps Ron with her sex appeal and nefarious intent.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with nefarious intent", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific harmful actions or outcomes that are being planned or executed. Clarity helps to convey the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "with nefarious intent" in situations that are only mildly mischievous or playful. The phrase carries a strong connotation of malice and should be reserved for genuinely serious or harmful intentions. Opt for more lighthearted phrasing instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with nefarious intent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes actions done with wicked or malicious purposes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with nefarious intent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes actions performed with wicked or malicious purposes. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it's appropriate for formal writing and carries a strong connotation of malice. While frequently found in News & Media sources, it's important to reserve its use for situations involving genuinely serious or harmful intentions, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "with malicious intent" or "with evil intentions" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with malicious intent

Focuses on the desire to cause harm or suffering.

with evil intentions

Emphasizes the inherently wicked nature of the planned actions.

with sinister motives

Highlights the hidden and potentially dangerous underlying reasons.

with wicked designs

Implies a carefully planned and morally reprehensible scheme.

with criminal purposes

Directly links the intent to illegal activities.

with malevolent aims

Stresses the desire to inflict harm or evil.

with destructive goals

Highlights the potential for ruin and devastation.

with treacherous objectives

Suggests betrayal and deceit as part of the plan.

with harmful designs

Emphasizes the potential for causing damage or injury.

with ill intent

A more general term for bad or harmful purpose.

FAQs

What does "with nefarious intent" mean?

The phrase "with nefarious intent" describes actions or plans carried out with wicked or malicious purposes. It implies a desire to cause harm, damage, or suffering.

How can I use "with nefarious intent" in a sentence?

Use "with nefarious intent" to describe someone's motivation when they are planning or carrying out harmful actions. For example, "The hacker accessed the database "with nefarious intent" to steal sensitive data".

What are some alternatives to "with nefarious intent"?

Alternatives include "with malicious intent", "with evil intentions", or "with sinister motives". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "with nefarious intent" in formal writing?

Yes, "with nefarious intent" is appropriate for formal writing when describing serious or harmful intentions. Its use is widespread in news reporting, legal documents, and academic analyses.