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

• 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

There are places where resentment shapes our image. —Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025

Employees grumble over who gets to park where and how offices were allocated (or who got an office with walls in the first place), exposing deep resentments about favoritism, status, and fairness. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025

These moments remind us that the work of peace must also begin at home, in towns, schools, and neighborhoods, wherever intolerance and resentment take root across the world. —Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

Memories are unearthed, resentments are shared, emotions are felt — and very little of it rings true. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1619, 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