resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

Synonyms of resentment

• grudge
• grievance

Choose the Right Synonym for resentment

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity.

offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Examples of resentment in a Sentence

She bore bitter feelings of resentment toward her ex-husband.

He's filled with resentment at his boss.

He expressed his resentment of the new policies.

Recent Examples on the Web

The altercation between Adebayo and Herro was sparked by recent comments apparently made by Herro on social media critiquing Adebayo and also showing some resentment toward Adebayo. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Deb is willing to put some of her resentment aside to help Sutton steer Hugh towards safer choices. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 14 July 2026

New York used to welcome billionaires, but rising prices and spiralling rents have fuelled intense resentment about the rich who just get richer. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 11 July 2026

The heartbroken anthem, released via Warner Records, sees Swims reflecting on a breakup without regret or resentment. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for resentment

• contentment
• presentment

Kids Definition

resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of angry displeasure at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury