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rancorous

adjective

ran·​cor·​ous ˈraŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rancorous (audio)
Synonyms of rancorousnext
: marked by rancor : deeply malevolent
rancorous envy
rancorously adverb

Examples of rancorous in a Sentence

a rancorous autobiography in which the author heaps blame on just about everyone who had the misfortune of knowing him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a pandemic slump, prices peaked in 2022, when global art sales reached $67.8 billion thanks again to two extraordinary single-owner auctions (Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s $1.6 billion collection and the $922 million fruits of Harry and Linda Macklowe’s rancorous divorce). Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 28 Nov. 2025 Kennedy’s retirement from active service on the court was followed by a rancorous and highly political process of confirmation for Kavanaugh, who was successfully nominated by Trump in 2018. Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025 The timing of the announcement appeared not to be coincidental, coming as Disney reached a rancorous carriage impasse with YouTube TV. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2025 Many team officials have voiced worry that the next labor stoppage could take longer and become more rancorous. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rancorous

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1517, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rancorous was circa 1517

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Cite this Entry

“Rancorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rancorous. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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