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

Any discussion of trans sports has to acknowledge the vitriol and aggression that accompany this debate. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

Athletes traditionally encounter vitriol on social media, but a limited number of fans took it much too far with Herro. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Not visible in the frame was third baseman Manny Machado, who Stammen said had received the brunt of a spectator’s vitriol. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Kellan White, who worked on the campaign in Pennsylvania, said the vitriol directed at Biden seemed misguided. — Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 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