acrimony

American  

[ak-ruh-moh-nee] / ˈæk rəˌmoʊ ni /

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

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acrimony British  

/ ˈækrɪmənɪ /

noun

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

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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.

Example Sentences

But the acrimony seemed to dissipate following a "cordial" phone call between the two leaders, which a Colombian official later described as an 180-degree turn "from both sides".

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

The acrimony now spilling out in the court filings is a U-turn in a relationship forged over nearly a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

But the episode confirmed that this South African-born outsider has become a force in Trump's Washington, outlasting his friend Elon Musk, whose White House career ended in acrimony after less than six months.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

He too left amid acrimony with county officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

Franklin's daring proposal to neutralize the "artillery of heaven," of course could not escape, and the impiety of lightning-rods was widely discussed, often with acrimony.

From Inventors by Hubert, Philip Gengembre

Related Words

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