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

There really isn’t too much more to explore here, especially since these two don’t seem to be harboring any resentment or regrets. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

The result is that even the simple act of standing peacefully with a sign, calling for women’s rights, accountability and peace, can provoke resentment strong enough to spill into public intimidation. —Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The tension between Carol and Carol Two ratchets up as the latter caters to every whim of the men in the household with a wide smile and not a hint of resentment. —David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026

That erasure can also lead to resentment, anxiety and postpartum depression, Alvarez-Borland said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 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