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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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
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
It’s a shame Mueller’s long record of service was marred by ill-judged decisions made in this era of acrimony and confusion.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
"Chinese officials probably want to avoid any public display of acrimony with Trump," said Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute.
From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026
We have seen what Elizabeth was: in many ways Mary was the exact opposite, for she was not at all given to bustle or change or acrimony or captiousness or suspicion.
From Body, Parentage and Character in History Notes on the Tudor Period by Jordan, Furneaux
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.
