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
Walter ShapiroCascades of multisyllabic vitriol engulf us as Conrad communicates his utter loathing of television …—Stanley Marcus
Stanley Marcus2
a
: a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc)
especially
: a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate
b
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
Much of the vitriol centers on the fact that Sandu is a woman.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
And as if a constant stream of social media vitriol wasn’t enough of an insult to the venerable lawns, they are subjected to constant meteorological insults as well.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
The posts showed Olbermann directing vitriol toward Jennings nearly two weeks after Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Bondi's remarks have been met with vitriol from people on both sides of the political aisle, with many quoting Kirk's own words and sentiments regarding the sanctity of free speech.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
And as if a constant stream of social media vitriol wasn’t enough of an insult to the venerable lawns, they are subjected to constant meteorological insults as well.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
The posts showed Olbermann directing vitriol toward Jennings nearly two weeks after Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025
Bondi's remarks have been met with vitriol from people on both sides of the political aisle, with many quoting Kirk's own words and sentiments regarding the sanctity of free speech.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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