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
Kellan White, who worked on the campaign in Pennsylvania, said the vitriol directed at Biden seemed misguided.
—Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026
The Warriors went on to sweep the Spurs, but what Pachulia remembered was the simultaneous torrent of vitriol that ensued.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
This level of vitriol directed at Hudson comes from a faction of the fandom, and that faction openly claims to support the show's white lead.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Rather than the vitriol usually reserved for star players on opposing teams, Wembanyama has been met instead with an affectionate curiosity from some fans and a reluctant respect from others.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for vitriol
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Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026
The Warriors went on to sweep the Spurs, but what Pachulia remembered was the simultaneous torrent of vitriol that ensued.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
This level of vitriol directed at Hudson comes from a faction of the fandom, and that faction openly claims to support the show's white lead.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 10 June 2026
Rather than the vitriol usually reserved for star players on opposing teams, Wembanyama has been met instead with an affectionate curiosity from some fans and a reluctant respect from others.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 9 June 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 14 Jun. 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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