acrimoniously

adverb

as in bitterly

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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 acrimoniously Negotiations ended acrimoniously on both sides, with each blaming the other as moving the goalposts along the way. — Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acrimoniously
  1. bitterly
  2. vindictively
  3. antagonistically
  4. caustically
  5. contemptuously
  6. scornfully
  7. disdainfully
  8. viciously
Adverb
  • There were riots, protests and a bitterly divisive war in Vietnam that looked intractable.
    — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026
  • With a goalkeeping howler and a red card, Marcelo Bielsa’s side self-imploded at the end of a bitterly disappointing tournament.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of bitterly
Adverb
  • The sponsors are vindictively threatening to punish the people of Colorado for daring to vote and act democratically.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 19 May 2026
  • This is important work, and the information will help political opponents targeted in the future argue that they are being vindictively prosecuted.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of vindictively
Adverb
  • Of the 10 countries asked about, only Russia was viewed more antagonistically.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 12 May 2026
Definition of antagonistically
Adverb
  • But that caustically independent branding didn't deter Moulton.
    — Jon Keller, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • In the 1980s, Letterman caustically rejected the schmoozy style of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show with his follow-on program, Late Night.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
Definition of caustically
Adverb
  • Hazel swung the lamp in her hand and looked contemptuously at Ginny, surrounded by the naturalists and the teachers, who whispered encouragement.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Men sneered contemptuously at them, while teenagers used their names as insults.
    — Mikhail Zygar, Vanity Fair, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of contemptuously
Adverb
  • As if the question arose, thought Leonora scornfully.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of scornfully
Adverb
  • The camera then switches from the chaos of the puppy, to the kitten—who is sitting in a relaxed position, blinking slowly, and staring almost disdainfully at the wriggling puppy.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Bella, in her podcast conversation with Trinny Woodall, recalled that once, at a village post office, a shop assistant disdainfully called her a hippie.
    — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of disdainfully
Adverb
  • Yet somehow, two decades later, the viciously antisemitic Vichy regime planted itself in power; a shocking betrayal by France of some of its most loyal and generous supporters, in a dehumanizing toxic swamp of suspicion, judgment, envy.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
  • Formalizing the sports practice was a natural next step, Lopez said, as Paul Hastings operates in an industry where firms viciously compete for market share.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of viciously

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Cite this Entry

“Acrimoniously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acrimoniously. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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