resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury

Synonyms

• down [chiefly British]
• grievance
• grudge
• score

Choose the Right Synonym for resentment

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity.

offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Examples of resentment in a Sentence

She bore bitter feelings of resentment toward her ex-husband.

He's filled with resentment at his boss.

He expressed his resentment of the new policies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many Obama advisers pressured Biden to not run in 2016 and Biden's resentment over that episode has diminished Obama's influence with Biden as the president contemplates his path forward. —Alex Thompson, Axios, 21 July 2024

Kennedy’s friends speak of Bessette with what seems like a mixture of fondness, trepidation and resentment. —Allison Stewart, Washington Post, 14 July 2024

The terrific play from the 25-year-old shortstop helped blunt any lingering resentment in Carlos Correa’s first game in San Francisco since his free-agent megadeal fell apart two winters ago. —Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 12 July 2024

Known for his method-acting prowess, Joaquin Phoenix channels his inner turmoil as Commodus, consumed by resentment towards his father’s lack of confidence in him and jealousy for the attention paid to Maximus. —Katy Kostakis and James Mercadante, EW.com, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

: a feeling of angry displeasure at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury