1
as in angry
having or showing deep-seated resentment
a bitter attitude about always having to work on Saturday she's still bitter about how her family treated her so unfairly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in painful
hard to accept or bear especially emotionally
discovering that he had been cut from the crew team was a bitter disappointment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin
a bitter wind was stinging the faces of the skiers
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4
as in harsh
difficult to endure
a bitter lesson about money and friendship
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in cold
having a low or subnormal temperature
a bitter February day for this part of the country
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6
as in chilly
uncomfortably cool
a bitter, rainy day
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7
as in mournful
expressing or suggesting mourning
a bitter cry of grief
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8
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
had to face the bitter truth about their marriage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bitter
As the team toasted his 900th career win as a major-league manager, Counsell downed the bitter-tasting liqueur, a celebratory gesture for someone who’s not exactly known as a party animal.
—
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 May 2026
But as the decades pass, Mercy discovers an especially bitter spirit who is wreaking violent revenge upon the living—and when the spirit claims to know something of her past, Mercy must decide if her loyalties are to the living or the dead.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Pick in the morning when fully open, and pinch the flower head off, leaving the bitter green base behind.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Steep yellow petals — no green parts, which turn things bitter — in boiling water with citrus, then ferment with sugar and yeast for several months.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bitter
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 May 2026
But as the decades pass, Mercy discovers an especially bitter spirit who is wreaking violent revenge upon the living—and when the spirit claims to know something of her past, Mercy must decide if her loyalties are to the living or the dead.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Pick in the morning when fully open, and pinch the flower head off, leaving the bitter green base behind.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026
Steep yellow petals — no green parts, which turn things bitter — in boiling water with citrus, then ferment with sugar and yeast for several months.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bitter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bitter
Adjective
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The issue prompted an angry Trump to directly press Makary over the vapes decisions, two people familiar with the episode said.—
Sarah Owermohle,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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Are some people angry that a children’s book author would cuss in an adult novel?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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All this may explain why the war doesn’t linger in British memory as a painful loss.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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But Saturday’s loss will hurt for a while, with Messi delivering a message to the team following the painful result.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Netflix’s big comedy bet might be the Dan Levy–Rachel Sennott co-creation Big Mistakes; the biting, farcical series about adult siblings who get caught up in the drug business plays like Weeds crossed with The Other Two.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
2 May 2026
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The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
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Drivers may also experience smoother brake operation because the system avoids the harsh pedal pulsing commonly associated with older anti-lock braking systems.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty, cold case investigations and breaking news for USA TODAY.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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In Milan, Pietrantoni had just worked with a design studio on an installation with cold lighting, which was drawing interested crowds.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Nearly 25 years after the attacks, the royal couple laid a bouquet of white flowers at the edge of the south reflecting pool, honoring the lives lost — including 67 British victims — during a brief ceremony on a chilly but sunny afternoon in lower Manhattan.—
Erin Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
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On the plus side, the heated vanity with adjustable temperature settings is heavenly on chilly mornings.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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The hour-long event included mournful hymns, prayers and the laying of wreaths by the participants, which included representatives from many countries around the world.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
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His face, always stationed somewhere halfway to hangdog, seems to gain 20 new creases carved deep into his skin, accentuating his mournful eyes and his excruciated, heartbroken smile.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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If plastic is a must (especially in areas prone to moisture), the vinegar, baking soda, and enzyme detergent routine should get all unpleasant smells out.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
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This can result in unpleasant odors, stains, and even mold and mildew growth.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitter. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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