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
Walter ShapiroCascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …—Stanley Marcus
Stanley Marcus2
a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
especially
: a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
b
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
Although the attacker may not feel the same level of vitriol, a hostile reception at the London Stadium on September 13 would surely await him.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 July 2025
However, when the Philadelphia Eagles legend took to social media to celebrate, he was met with plenty of vitriol.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Like, seeing this guy praise Hitler, seeing this guy be this force of hate and just vitriol and nastiness.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 1 July 2025
This vitriol is, of course, due to footage going viral of Wallen using the N word.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 8 July 2025
However, when the Philadelphia Eagles legend took to social media to celebrate, he was met with plenty of vitriol.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Like, seeing this guy praise Hitler, seeing this guy be this force of hate and just vitriol and nastiness.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 1 July 2025
This vitriol is, of course, due to footage going viral of Wallen using the N word.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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