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

But the ugly cloud of acrimony generated by that fractious Oval Office encounter 11 days ago may start to dissipate as the real business of peace-making gets under way.

From BBC

The talks mark the first official meeting since Zelensky's visit to the White House descended into acrimony last month.

From BBC

"I appreciate that," Trump told the chamber, offering a hint of a possible cooling of the acrimony between the two leaders.

From BBC

The genial tone devolved into acrimony and chaos.

From BBC

That was performed by George W Bush and Obama, but not by Trump in the acrimony after the 2020 election.

From BBC

Related Words

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