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
-
The brakes have an initial bite, but are satisfyingly firm.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
-
Before the development of effective antivenoms and modern critical care, bites from snakes with comparable venom profiles had much graver prognoses.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 June 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 ball ricocheted to the edge of the infield grass, where first baseman Freddie Freeman picked it up.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to stockpile on the edges of roads.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
And public anger grew after video showed an activist being dragged by a private security guard while demonstrating at the site.—
Zana Cimili,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
-
Just the pure, raw anger out of AJ McCarron here is second to none.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 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 15 Jun. 2026.
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