embitter

verb

em·​bit·​ter im-ˈbi-tər 

embittered; embittering; embitters

transitive verb

1

: to excite bitter feelings in

embittered by divorce

2

: to make bitter

embitterment

im-ˈbi-tər-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of embitter

• anger
• infuriate
• enrage
• antagonize

Examples of embitter in a Sentence

The soldier was embittered by the war.

the family refused to let their devastating collision with a drunk driver permanently embitter them

Recent Examples on the Web

Her mother reassured her that wasn’t the case — and instead of being embittered by the encounter, the young Levine began attending a Catholic catechism class to learn more about her Christian neighbors and their beliefs. — Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

And so Ludwig Wilhelm Sachs, a Königsberg physician and a former member of Ebel’s circle, embittered by his expulsion, intervened. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

The original vision for Base is in tatters and much of the project now looks like a costly distraction that has embittered numerous users, and forced Coinbase to play catch-up to ascendant crypto powerhouses like Hyperliquid and Robinhood. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Alito came out a winner, but still embittered. — Peter S. Canellos, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for embitter

• emitter
• obiter
• outfitter
• remitter
• submitter
• transmitter
• babysitter
• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• glitter

Kids Definition

embitter

verb

em·​bit·​ter im-ˈbit-ər 

: to make bitter

especially : to cause bitter feeling in

embitterment

-mənt 

noun