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 of resentment

• grudge
• grievance

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

Maybe even a little resentment. —Nate Sloan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026

The celebratory reaction to the rash of violent acts reflects the public’s growing anger and resentment against AI companies, data centers, and tech billionaires. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026

After the younger pair witness a semi-violent altercation between the older two, the couples become intertwined in an ever-worsening web of blackmail, resentment, embezzlement, fraud and deception. —Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026

From there, the fallout spreads quickly, spiraling into manipulation, resentment and power plays that ripple throughout the workplace. —Ryan Brennan april 16, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for resentment

• contentment
• presentment

Kids Definition

resentment

noun

re·​sent·​ment ri-ˈzent-mənt 

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