sour 1 of 2

Definition of sournext
1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids the sour candy made our mouths all wrinkly inside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard things started off well, but now it's all gone sour

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sour
Verb
However, the twists of its premise soon end up souring it conceptually, resulting in rapidly-diminishing returns, with derivative formal flourishes that largely recall other, better films. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 Eventually, the relationship between McGruder and the network soured. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The result is one of the sourest, stiffest, strangest-sounding hangout albums ever recorded. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026 In the kitchen, a fermentation chef uses preservation techniques to change the flavor profile of bitter ingredients to sour or sweet. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • Although this was not the first time Ticketmaster’s price surges had angered fans, the controversies reached a new peak just months later when botched ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour triggered widespread outrage and congressional scrutiny.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Fellow cast member Meghan King became skeptical of his symptoms and questioned his illness, which angered many of her costars — including Gunvalson.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The acidic composition of white vinegar works efficiently to break down the film that can accumulate on your windows.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026
  • That’s thanks to a confluence of factors, not least of which is advancing can liner technology that make acidic beverages, like wine, more stable inside the package.
    Kate Bernot, Outside, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The response from me is very unpleasant, and then my husband gets all uncomfortable.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Finally, a carbon filter is used to eliminate odors such as ammonia, cigarette smoke, hydrogen sulfide, and other pollutants that emit unpleasant smells.
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even in the absence of any proven crime committed by Tisch, even in the naivest retelling or understanding of Tisch’s correspondences with Epstein, his unacceptable relationship with this man deserves censure.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Artemis has been trudging along at a once-every-three-years flight rate, which Isaacman deems unacceptable.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plants like blueberries, roses, tomatoes, hydrangeas, and azaleas, in particular, are acid and nitrogen lovers.
    Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Coming in tandem with currently skyrocketing oil prices and new sets of tariffs imposed by the president to replace the earlier ones, this situation is an especially bitter pill for low-income and even average families whose budgets are already stressed.
    Robert Hormats, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Hemp vs marijuana The hemp industry and the licensed marijuana industry have been in a bitter battle.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes that’s totally wrong, because people are overestimating their kids or underestimating Joan Mitchell or whomever.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Or show off the Sombor Shuffle with an 11-footer off the wrong foot.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Experts say gas price hikes infuriate Americans more than most other goods.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The decision infuriated local opponents, who have applauded selectmen’s decision in mid-March to authorize legal action to try to reverse the vote.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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