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 Words From

• nonvit·ri·olic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vitriolic¹

First recorded in 1660–70; vitriol + -ic

Example Sentences

In one section, she dives into a vitriolic social media debate that arose in the wake of her box office success with “Nope.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite weeks of vitriolic campaigning, De León and Jurado have much in common.

From Los Angeles Times

The briefings often took a theatrical and at times vitriolic turn as López Obrador assailed a range of targets, including the wealthy elite, which he complained had dominated the country for decades, and the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump utilises his Truth Social account to make - or promote - some of the most vitriolic attacks on Democrats.

From BBC

The American Civil Liberties Union condemned Kennedy’s “discriminatory and vitriolic attack” in a statement.

From Salon

Related Words

• antagonistic
• biting
• bitter
• caustic
• harsh