rancorous

[ rang-ker-uhs ]

adjective

1. full of or showing rancor.

Other Words From

• rancor·ous·ly adverb
• rancor·ous·ness noun
• un·rancor·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rancorous¹

First recorded in 1580–90; rancor + -ous

Example Sentences

Garman said the county’s lawyer assures him that no matter how rancorous the debate, the vote by the county board is symbolic: all that matters is the registrar’s certification.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris returned to well-worn themes such as reproductive freedom, love for country and exhaustion with a decade of rancorous politics.

From Los Angeles Times

The recent months of campaigning have been volatile and rancorous, underscoring a changing American narrative in which a white, mostly Christian majority is shrinking in the face of a growing multiracial population.

From Los Angeles Times

The Federal Communications Commission, after weeks of rancorous internal debate, was set today to fine Infinity Broadcasting Corp. of New York $600,000 for allegedly indecent remarks made by radio personality Howard Stern.

From Los Angeles Times

Our politics have grown so rancorous and corrosive, Obama said, with each side trying to outshout the other, that many Americans have tuned out, leaving the extremes to drive a deeper wedge through the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acrimonious
• bitter
• resentful
• spiteful