bitterness

noun

Definition of bitternessnext
1
as in hostility
a deep-seated ill will he still harbored an implacable bitterness against the company that had fired him

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2
as in bite
a harsh or sharp quality the bitterness of the coffee suggested that it had been reheated

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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

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4
as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression complained with great bitterness about the ill treatment he had always received

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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 bitterness Mexican Americans have long risen up to defend ourselves and defy our haters, but there’s usually an underlying strain of bitterness and anger that kneecaps us at the worst possible moments. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Tens of thousands continue to come each year, yet no widespread anger or bitterness grows. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026 In the case of Alito and Thomas, there is also a striking note of bitterness. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 Looking back now, however, there is no bitterness attached to that chapter. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 And after spending most of Sunday as the guy the crowd didn’t want to see close the deal, Clark didn’t respond with bitterness. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Crisp and refreshing, the drink’s grapefruit bitterness was softened by carbonation, giving Mexico’s national cocktail a lively upgrade. — Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bitterness
  1. hostility
  2. bite
  3. chill
  4. severity
  5. grudge
  6. edge
  7. chilliness
  8. anger
Noun
  • The Art, Not Science, of Leadership Ultimately, the hostility toward dual-class shares reflects a broader cultural shift in how many good governance advocates view corporate leadership.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Because that opposition is motivated in part by hostility to artificial intelligence.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 6 July 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • At a charge, guests may also book a cute Patina Osaka wagon, packed with chairs, cuddly blankets, bites, and drinks for a bucolic picnic in the park.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • The reception reportedly offered multiple bars and food stations, which featured bites such as sushi and Italian cuisine.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of bite
Noun
  • The room, its walls expensively craquelure'd to resemble fractured eggshells, its pale taffeta curtains billowing in the chill English breeze, is more Hollywood boudoir than office.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
  • From versatile and lightweight linen jumpsuits to light sweaters that come in handy when there’s an unexpected chill in the air, the following items are essentials that can always be found in our suitcases.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • Symptoms of the allergic reactions at AGS can vary case by case and in severity, but can include hives, angioedema (deep-swelling of the lips, eyes, tongue, and throat), wheezing, gastrointestinal distress and even fatal anaphylaxis.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
  • Two of these are rated critical, while 10 have been given high-severity status.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Colombia eventually outlasted Ghana to survive the first FIFA World Cup knockout round in Kansas City Stadium, also known as Arrowhead Stadium, but those at the watch parties didn’t seem to hold a grudge.
    — Eleanor Nash July 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • Within the first 10 minutes of the match on Monday, which was also the anniversary of that game, the Mexican fans reminded the world of their 12-year grudge against the Oranje.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of grudge
Noun
  • The Detroit pizza features the style’s signature crown of crispy cheese around the edges, and a blanket of brick cheese.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Both the scalloped edges and adorable blue gingham print made this a top pick for me.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of edge
Noun
  • Or that Penélope Cruz’s sultry chilliness would jibe with either her male counterparts or Wilde’s diary-of-a-mad-housewife interpretation of a brittle, eager-to-impress woman brimming with creative frustration.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
Definition of chilliness
Noun
  • But no one was happy, particularly fans of the singer who reacted with anger at the unauthorized use.
    — StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • But the real anger belongs to the narrator herself, who berates herself for bringing a succession of troubled men into her son’s life.
    — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2026
Definition of anger

Browse Nearby Words

bitterly
bitterness
bit the dust
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Cite this Entry

“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bitterness

Nglish: Translation of bitterness for Spanish Speakers

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