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
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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.
The acrimony between the two sides is apparent in the courtroom.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
Mourinho's last spell there ended in acrimony as he fell out with club captain Iker Casillas and other players.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
And that remains his position, his representative said: Carvalho wants to avoid counterproductive acrimony.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026
The board-level acrimony has become an extraordinary public feud.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
And, in this period, one only circumstance called forth, with any acrimony, the ill humour of her disposition.
From The Wanderer (Volume 1 of 5) or, Female Difficulties by Fanny Burney
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.
