vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism

political commentators spewing angry vitriol

Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.

—Walter Shapiro

Cascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …

—Stanley Marcus

2

a

: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)

especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate

b

: oil of vitriol

vitriolic

ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik 

adjective

vitriolic personal attacks

a vitriolic debate/dispute

Synonyms of vitriol

• bitterness
• hostility
• bile
• severity
• anger
• malice
• acrimony

Examples of vitriol in a Sentence

His speech was full of political vitriol.

a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements

Recent Examples on the Web

Both parties’ propaganda machines, character assassinations and personal vitriol mask and shadow the ultimate import of what’s at stake. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Lily Allen, shameless pop ironist and self-satirist, has never shied from public vitriol—a quality that has come in handy as fans have reacted to her live shows behind West End Girl. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2026

In reviewing hundreds of hours of these meetings, ProPublica found a mixture of mind-numbing technical discussions, wild speculation and hyperpartisan vitriol. — Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 2026

When the wicker husband proves to be a better man and partner than the rest of the married men in the village, jealousy erupts, and the unlikely couple must figure out how to preserve their simple life amid the chaos and vitriol. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing vitriol

• blue vitriol
• oil of vitriol

Kids Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid

Medical Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)

2

: oil of vitriol