resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
Synonyms of resentful
1
: full of resentment : inclined to resent
She felt resentful about being demoted.
2
: caused or marked by resentment
resentful anger
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

Examples of resentful in a Sentence

She is resentful about being demoted. She gave me a resentful glare. a resentful letter to the editor
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.
That leaves the volatile Joanne feeling shut out and bitterly resentful. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 But pretty soon the two interlopers into this small, grudge-holding but tight-knit community — the kind where, going back generations, everybody not only knows but is mightily resentful of everyone else’s business — develop a kind of outsider kinship. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026 The women had been close friends while studying for their doctorates some years earlier, but Catherine has since grown resentful of Leonora’s career, and dismissive of women whose scholarly ambitions come before marital subservience. Literary Hub, 9 June 2026 Some fans who will be a resentful. Miami Herald, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for resentful

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of resentful was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Resentful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resentful. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

resentful

adjective
re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl How to pronounce resentful (audio)
1
: full of resentment
felt resentful of her success
2
: caused or marked by resentment
a resentful reply to a letter
resentfully adverb
resentfulness noun

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