vitriolic

[vi-tree-ol-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling vitriol.

2. obtained from vitriol.

3. very caustic; scathing.

   vitriolic criticism.

   Synonyms: bitter, acid
   Antonyms: mild, bland

vitriolic

/ ˌvɪtrɪˈɒlɪk /

adjective

1. (of a substance, esp a strong acid) highly corrosive

2. severely bitter or caustic; virulent

   vitriolic criticism

Other Word Forms

• nonvitriolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitriolic¹

First recorded in 1660–70; vitriol + -ic

Example Sentences

To cap a miserable week for Alexander-Arnold, who was given a vitriolic reception on his return to Anfield when Liverpool beat Madrid in the Champions League, he is again left out.

Read more on BBC

Years on from the vitriolic headlines, Reed said he still suffers from what he calls a "false" bad-boy reputation, and so does his family.

Read more on Barron's

The messaging became "vitriolic", with Mrs Spragg contacting police investigators, and saying: "Everyone knows the McCanns are guilty and you know the truth and a massive cover-up is happening."

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"They understand they want the crowd to support them but not to be vitriolic against us."

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It seems Elmo’s world recently included vitriolic racist and antisemitic social media posts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonistic 
• biting 
• bitter 
• caustic 
• harsh