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
-
This one would stop hostilities between the countries and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Beyond the price of specific things households need, an end to the hostilities will likely also mean that broad measures of inflation will come down.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Aguirre hoped his team would shake off nerves following the emotional opener at Azteca Stadium and show more bite in its second game against South Korea, but his team didn’t have much power behind its attack during the game’s first 45 minutes.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Nosh on lamb skewers or savor bites of sweet plantains.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
The batches were distilled between January 2015 and April 2016, the whiskey was aged for a full decade in char #4 barrels with char #3 heads, and it was bottled at 102 proof without chill filtration.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 June 2026
-
For example, North Georgia typically receives 750 to 900 chill hours, while South Georgia receives fewer than 600, making variety selection critical for reliable fruit production, Kirk-Ballard says.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Jamie Lynn Spears is opening up about the severity of her daughter's 2017 near-fatal ATV accident.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
At the time, the severity of the ruling reflected the enormous scale of Lan’s fraud as well as efforts by authorities to restore investor trust.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Everyone at Spain knows the rules, and those close to Yamal and the team unit insist there has been no grudge at all from Yamal towards Olmo.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
But pretty soon the two interlopers into this small, grudge-holding but tight-knit community — the kind where, going back generations, everybody not only knows but is mightily resentful of everyone else’s business — develop a kind of outsider kinship.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
But anger is only an occasionally riveting spice in this show, not the dominant emotion.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
The decision against Rong Chhun, a top adviser to the Nation Power Party, was met with anger by supporters gathered outside the Supreme Court complex in Phnom Penh.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
His sophisticated taste and hatred for carbs always brought a little humor to the job.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
-
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has called for calm, but several far-right personalities in Great Britain and the United States—including Elon Musk—have used the attack to foment hatred against immigrants.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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