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

• acrimoniously adverb
• acrimoniousness noun
• 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

This may be the end of Kimmel's suspension but it feels like just the start of the next phase in the increasingly acrimonious relationship between the president and the media.

From BBC

In June, Kennedy said in an online forum that acrimonious discourse and threats to judges have placed democracy at risk.

From Salon

"I didn't think it was a good look," said Purslow, when asked about the way Isak agitated for his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool after an acrimonious split was finally concluded on deadline day.

From BBC

The Fed and Snyder engaged in increasingly acrimonious meetings, after one of which the White House issued a communique that falsely stated that the Fed had agreed to follow the administration’s demands.

From Los Angeles Times

The sit-down turned acrimonious, with the Chinese accusing the Americans of "condescension and hypocrisy".

From BBC

Related Words

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