rancorous

adjective

ran·​cor·​ous ˈraŋ-k(ə-)rəs 

: marked by rancor : deeply malevolent

rancorous envy

rancorously adverb

Synonyms of rancorous

• acrimonious
• angry
• sore
• bitter
• cynical
• resentful
• embittered
• acrid

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

Simmering in the background is a rancorous debate on whether to restrict Chinese AI models. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

His supporters rewarded him with a landslide victory, then held their tongues as the Conservative leader bowed to rancorous calls to resign amid the Partygate scandal after three years in office. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 June 2026

Simon Pegg’s Angels in the Asylum and Cara Delevingne vehicle The Climb both went down amid similarly rancorous stories of producers running into financing issues, despite having committed to crewing up. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 June 2026

Since the merger was blocked, the two grocery rivals have been locked in a rancorous and active legal fight over each other’s role in the scheme. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1517, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rancorous

• cantankerous