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

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

Hong Chau is a great choice for the adult Nelly, a quietly resentful sort who causes more friction in Cathy and Heathcliff's tempestuous situation. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

But sitting tight at one’s job has, for many, resulted in feeling detached, trapped, and resentful; over time, staying in a role you’re mentally checked out of can even fuel burnout. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 29 Jan. 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