Which word is opposite in meaning to the word, 'benevolent'?

The word 'benevolent' means kind, well-meaning, or generous (literally 'wishing well'). Its exact antonym is 'malevolent', which means having or showing a wish to do evil to others (literally 'wishing ill'). The prefix 'bene-' (good) is opposed by 'mal-' (bad), making this a direct lexical opposition. 'Rude', 'untruthful', and 'indecent' are negative qualities but none is the precise opposite of 'benevolent'.