acrimonious

[ak-ruh-moh-nee-uhs]

adjective

1. caustic, stinging, or bitter in nature, speech, behavior, etc..

   an acrimonious answer; an acrimonious dispute.

acrimonious

/ ˌækrɪˈməʊnɪəs /

adjective

1. characterized by bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc

Other Word Forms

• acrimoniousness noun
• acrimoniously adverb
• unacrimonious adjective
• unacrimoniously adverb
• unacrimoniousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimonious¹

From the Medieval Latin word ācrimōniōsus, dating back to 1605–15. See acrimony, -ous

Example Sentences

In the midst of an acrimonious and widely publicised custody battle for their two young boys, the Princess of Pop said she acted out in defiance and wanted to give the press "some material".

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On Monday, media reports suggested the atmosphere at the US and Ukrainian leaders' meeting had been far more acrimonious than previously understood.

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The MP was in Handsworth to make a video about litter, a problem plaguing much of the city as it enters the tenth month of its long, acrimonious bin strike.

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Lives are altered as the salon workers go about their day braiding the hair of customers who range from docile and caring to feisty and acrimonious.

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Alexander Isak, a substitute in Turkey, is still way short of full match fitness following his drawn-out and acrimonious British record £125m move from Newcastle United.

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Related Words

• belligerent 
• bitter 
• caustic 
• petulant 
• rancorous 
• testy