acrimony

[ ak-ruh-moh-nee ]

noun

1. sharpness, harshness, or bitterness of nature, speech, disposition, etc.:

   The speaker attacked him with great acrimony.

   Synonyms: spitefulness, bitterness, spite, asperity, animosity

   Antonyms: politeness, kindness, civility, goodwill

acrimony

/ ˈækrɪmənɪ /

noun

1. bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācri-, stem of ācer “sharp, sour” + -mōnia -mony

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrimony¹

C16: from Latin ācrimōnia, from ācer sharp, sour

Example Sentences

At least two of those relationships with civilian Pentagon chiefs — retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis and Army combat veteran Mark Esper — resulted in open acrimony, despite a long-standing reluctance on the part of current and retired military officers to publicly criticize the commander in chief.

From Los Angeles Times

Even though King and other Civil Rights leaders managed to rally Christian pastors to their side, the acrimony between Christians over racial segregation and the movement to destroy it underscored political tensions that were already creating schisms within American congregations.

From Salon

But for all the personal acrimony between them, they've also advanced each other's political ambitions.

From Salon

As Nelson demonstrates via "Daytime Revolution," the couple’s efforts to preach unity in the face of that era’s deep acrimony is a lesson that we could sorely use today.

From Salon

The acrimony arguably peaked last month when Megan Gallacher resigned as deputy leader of the party.

From BBC

Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism
• belligerence
• bitterness
• ill feeling
• ill will
• rancor