acrimony
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of acrimony
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācri-, stem of ācer “sharp, sour” + -mōnia -mony
Explanation
Acrimony is bitterness, or ill will. Acrimony is a spiteful word. It sounds bitter, like acid. Acrimony comes from the Latin word acrimonia, meaning basically "sharpness." Although it sounds like matrimony, the only thing the words have in common is the suffix from monium which means "state, condition." So it's the state of being acrid, or bitter. It's not just for married folks, though — this slightly dusty noun can refer to any sharp, bitter feeling. After a drawn-out court case, there might be lingering acrimony stirred up during the trial. Not surprisingly, it's also the name of a British heavy metal band from the '90s.
Vocabulary lists containing acrimony
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Pride and Prejudice
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Acrimony from the war could also make it harder for Iran to circumvent sanctions through front companies in Dubai’s free-trade zones, shutting off a substantial dollar flow that benefited both sides.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
Acrimony between the two organizations has since escalated.
From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025
Acrimony over allegations of financial improprieties within the Washington Commanders’ front office escalated Monday with dueling statements from the team and the attorney of the former employee who made the claim to members of Congress.
From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2022
Acrimony between the two sides hit several boiling points in the past two years.
From Reuters • Mar. 22, 2022
The Corrosive Ulcer is that which by the Acrimony and Malignity of its Sanies, corrodes, makes hollow, corrupts and mortifies the Flesh.
From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
