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
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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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.
And that remains his position, his representative said: Carvalho wants to avoid counterproductive acrimony.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026
Liam Rosenior lasted only three months amid acrimony, a head coach out of his depth, before Calum McFarlane stepped to take Chelsea to the FA Cup final, which they lost to Manchester City.
From BBC ● May 25, 2026
So, why did a star-studded team's World Cup dream end in on-field agony and off-field acrimony.
From BBC ● May 10, 2026
Their journey was a reminder of something our nation, amid chronic acrimony, might have half-forgotten: When we choose to work together, we can do anything.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 11, 2026
For, even when coming into slight contact with the outer vapoury shreds of the jet, which will often happen, your skin will feverishly smart from the acrimony of the thing so touching you.
From Sea Monsters Unmasked and Sea Fables Explained by Lee, H. W. (Henry William)
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.
