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

• 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

This creates an environment of disruption, resentment, siloes and even quiet rebellion against transformation efforts. —Kamales Lardi, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

This attitude was further articulated by Schumer in July 2016, at a time when Trump’s appeal to working-class resentments was drawing massive crowds. —Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025

He was also traumatized by the death of his mother, and resentment about security issues stems directly from this. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025

Many felt abused by the creation of Everglades National Park in 1947, which had displaced a fishing village in Flamingo, at the southern tip of the park, and had caused resentment among the Miccosukee, some of whom lived south of Tamiami Trail, in what would become the park. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1619, 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