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
While the seven-time champion didn't receive the same amount of public vitriol, Hamilton faced a ton of backlash as the sport's first Black driver.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Of people taking tough votes, of standing up to their own party or standing up for a certain issue, knowing that this could bring onto them more than just vitriol online, but literally someone to their front door that could harm them and their family.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 2025
Angel Reese is the subject of constant vitriol, and professional boxer Claressa Shields recently joined the slew of critics after losing the 2025 BET Sportswoman Of The Year award to the Chicago Sky’s star forward.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Of people taking tough votes, of standing up to their own party or standing up for a certain issue, knowing that this could bring onto them more than just vitriol online, but literally someone to their front door that could harm them and their family.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 15 June 2025
Angel Reese is the subject of constant vitriol, and professional boxer Claressa Shields recently joined the slew of critics after losing the 2025 BET Sportswoman Of The Year award to the Chicago Sky’s star forward.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025
On a long album full of romantic vitriol and emotional desolation, songs in this mode provide brief eruptions of uplift — a necessary counterbalance.
—Elias Leight, Billboard, 28 May 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 Jul. 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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