1
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will
he still harbored an implacable bitterness against the company that had fired him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bite
a harsh or sharp quality
the bitterness of the coffee suggested that it had been reheated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness
there's a bitterness in the air, so let's build a fire in the fireplace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression
complained with great bitterness about the ill treatment he had always received
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bitterness
Add the lime juice just before serving to preserve brightness and prevent bitterness.
—
Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
How did someone emerge from such darkness without becoming consumed by bitterness?
—Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
What occasionally helps Aethermead is Barnes’ palpable bitterness.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
Its malty bitterness balances the inherent milky sugariness of the dairy base, for a nuanced, not-too-sweet flavor.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026
That unique bitterness is mocked, but revered, in countless social media videos.
—Chris Tye, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 4 June 2026
Bram, his husband, has a demanding job at a museum in Rotterdam and Arnold’s bitterness has grown wearying.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Find out how to beat boredom and bitterness while holding onto your job, with tips on how to build your next chapter, from career coach Cynthia Young.
—Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
How did someone emerge from such darkness without becoming consumed by bitterness?
—Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
What occasionally helps Aethermead is Barnes’ palpable bitterness.
—Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
Its malty bitterness balances the inherent milky sugariness of the dairy base, for a nuanced, not-too-sweet flavor.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 June 2026
That unique bitterness is mocked, but revered, in countless social media videos.
—Chris Tye, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Cook mustard greens with olive oil and spices like pepper flakes and garlic, then add vinegar or lemon juice to balance the bitterness.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 4 June 2026
Bram, his husband, has a demanding job at a museum in Rotterdam and Arnold’s bitterness has grown wearying.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Find out how to beat boredom and bitterness while holding onto your job, with tips on how to build your next chapter, from career coach Cynthia Young.
—Courtney Connley-Hampton, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bitterness
Noun
-
The apparent loss of the aircraft came after hostilities in the region escalated over the weekend, with Iran and Israel exchanging their first direct strikes in months late Sunday.—
Todd Symons,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
-
Pashinyan has implemented the complete transformation of Armenia’s position in the region and the world, going from a de facto protectorate of Russia to one bordering on hostility.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
This can occur with or without skin markings, which may be mistaken for seemingly benign culprits like bug bites or an allergic reaction.—
Alyssa Sparacino,
Glamour,
29 May 2026
-
Guests celebrating Giant included American Vogue Editor Chloe Malle as well as theater producers Tom Kirhady, Lucas McMahon, and Greg Nobile, who sipped on wine and champagne and dined on light bites whilst mingling and talking Tony prospects.—
Chris Murphy,
Vanity Fair,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Not like my boyfriend’s family’s doorbell, with its complicated, seven-tone church melody that gives you spiritual chills and causes you to quiver excitedly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
The brisk, nasty chill cast by the film may prove divisive; ditto its unapologetically ghastly characters.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
But now, he will be sidelined as the Royals look to determine the severity of the injury.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
-
The bear was approximately 17 months old, and in the 70-pound range, Collins said, explaining the severity of the situation.—
Jazmin Alvarado,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
By Ariana Eunjung Cha The Washington Post Steve Koch never thought of himself as a grudge-holder.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
-
Nearly a decade later, the grudge is still going strong.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The union has argued that the language — coupled with an arbitration provision — will limit the use of AI replicas to a handful of edge cases.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
5 June 2026
-
As the resort’s premium hotel-within-a-hotel experience, Hōkūpa‘a Tower guests will not only find larger indoor and outdoor room layouts, but will also gain access to The Lānai, a private lounge-style space with complimentary food and drinks, a private bar, and infinity-edge cocktail pools.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Death is often a flash point for communal anger.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
29 May 2026
-
Lemieux was known for diving on the ice, embellishments that drew the anger of opponents, Farber said, and often his own teammates.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
These reports have significantly contributed to increasing hatred towards Islam.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Was there a true hatred or deep respect?—
Keith Murphy,
VIBE.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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