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
-
An immediate halt in hostilities across the region, including the strike between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, is also part of the pact.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Ranch goes well with these crispy bites, as does comeback sauce.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
-
According to 14 News, Cardin's says his wife then started throwing up after a few bites, prompting him to review the food.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Cover loosely with plastic and chill until set, at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 June 2026
-
Trump’s trade war is causing a chill in investment.—
Rob Gillies,
Fortune,
14 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
-
New York Knicks owner James Dolan is refusing to let go of his grudge against Charles Oakley, even with the franchise back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.—
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
-
The moment [Democrats] are in is for righteous anger, so that to me is the X factor here in terms of her ability to tap into that.—
Anne Bryson,
CBS News,
9 Dec. 2025
-
European leaders voiced anger over a new US strategy document that characterized the continent, a longtime American ally, as akin to a threat.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
These reports have significantly contributed to increasing hatred towards Islam.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Everyone has to know that hatred is unacceptable and has no place in our society.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bitterness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bitterness. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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