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
Relevance
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
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
For the next 10 to 48 hours, the paste is gently stirred over very low heat, a step that cooks away any excess bitterness, acidity, and liquid.
—
Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
This brightness is anchored by the deep earthy bitterness of the Cynar, the Japanese Whiskey offers a soft grain finish, and the salt keeps the whole project from becoming too bitter.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Always use fresh, undamaged skins to prevent bitterness.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 24 Oct. 2025
In this way, Blue Moon is ultimately a film about gay bitterness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
That was my thought about Polarity’s bitterness from his own past and his relationship with his son in season one.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
The key is to tame their bitterness by blanching the slices quickly in the pasta pot, then sear them in olive oil to caramelize them slightly, soften their tang and give them golden edges.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025
Chocolate’s distinctive taste begins with cocoa beans, harvested from trees and fermented right on the cocoa farm to develop their aroma and reduce bitterness.
—New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
The apples brighten the natural sugar in the sweet potatoes and cut any bitterness from the Brussels sprouts.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Aleksandra Crapanzano, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
This brightness is anchored by the deep earthy bitterness of the Cynar, the Japanese Whiskey offers a soft grain finish, and the salt keeps the whole project from becoming too bitter.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
Always use fresh, undamaged skins to prevent bitterness.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 24 Oct. 2025
In this way, Blue Moon is ultimately a film about gay bitterness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
That was my thought about Polarity’s bitterness from his own past and his relationship with his son in season one.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
The key is to tame their bitterness by blanching the slices quickly in the pasta pot, then sear them in olive oil to caramelize them slightly, soften their tang and give them golden edges.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025
Chocolate’s distinctive taste begins with cocoa beans, harvested from trees and fermented right on the cocoa farm to develop their aroma and reduce bitterness.
—New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025
The apples brighten the natural sugar in the sweet potatoes and cut any bitterness from the Brussels sprouts.
—Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bitterness
Noun
-
In 2018 and 2019, the two exchanged fire in rounds of hostilities that would frequently end within 48 hours.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Trump will need to hope for hostilities to be short-lasting, or for these voters to be forgiving.—
Javier Corrales,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
When the shark measuring about 10 feet didn’t fit through the door, Mucerino and Burress got a bite of inspiration.—
Amanda Hancock,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In their study published today in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the team describes the differences between bite tactics in these different types of snakes.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Stir briefly to chill, then (if in a mixing glass) strain over a large piece of ice in a rocks glass.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Wrap and chill until easy to handle, 1 hour.—
Jessica Saari Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Both a quarantine and blockade are similar in essence, though differ in personnel and severity.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Scientists have tried to artificially bolster Florida’s coral populations by rearing colonies in nurseries both onshore and offshore, but the success of these efforts will depend on the frequency and severity of future bleaching events, the report said.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her relationship with her family is fraught, and not just because of her liberal politics; religious animosity, personal grudges, and class resentment all play a part.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Be wary of friends who act like their grudges are the only ones that matter in a relationship.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the deciding third round, Jandiroba had the edge early on the feet but allowed Dern to land some harder shots late.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
KAConsulting shows a three-point lead (47–44), Quantus Insights finds a two-point edge (48–46), and Trafalgar Group/Insider Advantage reports just a one-point gap (45–44).—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Reactions to the extraordinary news spread quickly, ranging from surprise to anger at the league itself, according to five people who work inside or closely with the NBA, all of whom were granted anonymity because they were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Is that your way of expressing the anger and exhaustion that so many people feel in the country right now?—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The endorsement comes as Cuomo has lobbed increasingly caustic attacks on Mamdani, equating his criticism of Israel with antisemitism and warning of a city beset by crime, hatred and disorder if his opponent wins.—
Anthony Izaguirre,
Fortune,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn't been shy about his hatred of the rival NFL franchise.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share