Baleful
hardNegative toneBAYL-ful
adjective
Definition
Threatening harm; menacing; having a harmful or destructive effect
Memory hook
BALE-ful: full of BALE (evil) — a baleful glare threatens harm like a villain's stare.
Examples
“The guard dog fixed visitors with a baleful stare.”
“The baleful influence of the corrupt politician spread throughout the government.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The guard dog fixed visitors with a ______ stare.”
Show answer
baleful
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Baleful is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "malevolent" or "sinister" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "benign".
Related GRE Words
baneful
Causing harm or ruin; pernicious; destructive
deleterious
Causing harm or damage; injurious
malevolent
Having or showing a wish to do evil to others
pernicious
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
acrimonious
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
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