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

Sitting later at a quiet table in the back of Saint Leo’s, an Italian spot on the Oxford Square, she is asked to explain the vitriol directed at Kiffin. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

During the third quarter of the game, Freedom stood and raised his arms in celebration of a three-pointer made by Sophie Cunningham, the Fever star who has also received vitriol for her stance on biological men participating in women’s sports. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Between these encounters Faye deals with vitriol from her cranky downstairs neighbors. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026

In an astonishing admission, one judge acknowledged considering an alternative ruling to avoid vitriol that could endanger the judge’s family. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 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