resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl 

1

: full of resentment : inclined to resent

She felt resentful about being demoted.

2

: caused or marked by resentment

resentful anger

resentfully

ri-ˈzent-fə-lē 

adverb

resentfulness noun

Synonyms of resentful

• angry
• cynical
• embittered
• sore
• bitter
• rancorous

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

According to Rachel, the plan had been initiated by Shelia, who had grown increasingly resentful of Skylar. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

Those who observed him closely often described him as deeply resentful and unforgiving. —Pegah Banihashemi, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Those who observed him closely often described him as deeply resentful and unforgiving. —Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

Gobel’s Vida is mature, fierce and resentful and Broyhill’s Dodie has a more impulsive, life-embracing personality. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resentful

• eventful
• uneventful

Kids Definition

resentful

adjective

re·​sent·​ful ri-ˈzent-fəl 

1

: full of resentment

felt resentful of her success

2

: caused or marked by resentment

a resentful reply to a letter

resentfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

resentfulness noun