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

What's worse, the vitriol towards the defending champs and their dubious relationship with the officials is no longer contained to Internet trolls. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

Maybe the biggest recipient of vitriol is an 18-year-old named Slayr, whose real last name, thanks to cosmic fate, is McDonald. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026

The vitriol my grandpa endured is deeply unfounded. —Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

The huge profits from BP generated online vitriol almost immediately. —Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 28 Apr. 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