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
All that vitriol over some poor, wide-eyed urchin just trying to climb an invisible ladder or descend some invisible stairs?
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Davis says that although the stream of vitriol toward himself and Burdell has continued online, the community has rallied around the restaurant.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
And yet freestyle skier Eileen Gu has faced more vitriol than ever over her decision to compete for China instead of the United States, where she was born and raised.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Tutu had to navigate constant threats to his life and tremendous vitriol from most white South Africans who clung to the system of white power and privilege.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Davis says that although the stream of vitriol toward himself and Burdell has continued online, the community has rallied around the restaurant.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
And yet freestyle skier Eileen Gu has faced more vitriol than ever over her decision to compete for China instead of the United States, where she was born and raised.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Tutu had to navigate constant threats to his life and tremendous vitriol from most white South Africans who clung to the system of white power and privilege.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
Cite this Entry
“Vitriol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vitriol. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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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