acrimony

[ak-ruh-moh-nee]

noun

1. sharpness, harshness, or bitterness of nature, speech, disposition, etc..

   The speaker attacked him with great acrimony.

   Synonyms: spite, asperity, spitefulness, animosity, bitterness
   Antonyms: politeness, kindness, civility, goodwill

acrimony

/ ˈækrɪmənɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācri-, stem of ācer “sharp, sour” + -mōnia -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

C16: from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācer sharp, sour

Example Sentences

Republicans have said they won't negotiate with political hostage-takers, but it is possible to see ground for compromise underneath the overheated rhetoric and acrimony.

Read more on BBC

The Italian Grand Prix threw up the sort of situation that in many - if not most - cases in F1 would be expected to generate acrimony.

Read more on BBC

But, even then, what promised to be the start of a new golden era ended in acrimony.

Read more on BBC

In a world of acrimony, filled with the gasoline of fear and hatred, his words are sparks.

Read more on Salon

Despite a long history of musical and personal acrimony within the group, the Police reunited for a lucrative reunion tour in 2007.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animosity 
• antagonism 
• belligerence 
• bitterness 
• ill feeling 
• ill will 
• rancor