vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism

political commentators spewing angry vitriol

Rumor has always played a role in politics, but rarely have the backstage operatives been so adroit, and so cynical, in their use of vitriol.

—Walter Shapiro

Cascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …

—Stanley Marcus

2

a

: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)

especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate

b

: oil of vitriol

vitriolic

ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik 

adjective

vitriolic personal attacks

a vitriolic debate/dispute

Synonyms of vitriol

• bitterness
• hostility
• bile
• severity
• anger
• malice
• acrimony

Examples of vitriol in a Sentence

His speech was full of political vitriol.

a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements

Recent Examples on the Web

While his cause of death has not been determined, photos of the Black teen surrounded by White friends during the trip led to widespread speculation, vitriol and threats from across the country. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Much of the vitriol apparently stems from the developers releasing GTA VI without physical copies of the game, a decision that was roundly mocked and derided last month. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The ongoing vitriol centered on race, gender and sexuality makes for daily headlines. — Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Turn on any cable news network, and the national political landscape can look like a toxic wasteland, defined by vitriol, outrage, even allegations of treason. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing vitriol

• blue vitriol
• oil of vitriol

Kids Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

: something (as written or spoken words) thought to be as harsh and burning as acid

Medical Definition

vitriol

noun

vit·​ri·​ol ˈvi-trē-əl 

1

: a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc)

2

: oil of vitriol