rancorous

adjective

ˈraŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce rancorous (audio)
Definition of rancorousnext
as in acrimonious
having or showing deep-seated resentment a rancorous autobiography in which the author heaps blame on just about everyone who had the misfortune of knowing him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rancorous Amid rancorous debates over Israel, some Jewish leaders warn that anti-Zionism has spilled over into antisemitism, encouraging segments of the party to question not just Israeli policy but also the participation of Jews in American political life. — Matthew Schmitz, Washington Post, 29 May 2026 The meeting was mostly a polite affair, free from some of the rancorous shouting in past IACC meetings. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026 Mourinho, the 63-year-old finally living the dream of managing his boyhood club after a rancorous nine-game stint at the start of his coaching career, celebrating with a starry-eyed kid dreaming of being on the pitch for the first team one day. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Transportation and accelerated bridge construction Transportation featured prominently, with Healey again praising MBTA General Manager Phil Eng to the most rancorous applause of the night. — Sam Drysdale, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rancorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rancorous
  1. acrimonious
  2. angry
  3. sore
  4. bitter
  5. cynical
  6. resentful
  7. embittered
  8. acrid
Adjective
  • Ariana Grande’s art is in acrimonious conversation with its spectators.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • His appointment, confirmed by Malago at a meeting of the FIGC board today (Tuesday), comes after an acrimonious 72 hours in Italian football.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of acrimonious
Adjective
  • Apart from the payment issues, many health workers and facilities have been attacked by rebels and angry mobs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The report said that the 5-year-old cousin urinated on the floor, which made Gonzalez angry.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of angry
Adjective
  • So, naturally, the competition between the two states assumed fraught racial overtones, which is unfortunate but not surprising, given Democrats’ penchant for picking at sore spots and turning on each other at the slightest provocation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of sore
Adjective
  • Democrats endured a bitter and expensive campaign that became a proxy battle between the party’s establishment and progressive wings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When the siblings finally arrive, the bitter, suffocating reality that awaits them proves far harsher than Lucila had imagined.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bitter
Adjective
  • In this cynical age, our local registrars of voters, usually one from each party, remain respected public officials.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The novel follows Lila Dixon, an acerbic, cynical baseball scout living a dreary and closed-off life in her 30s.
    — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of cynical
Adjective
  • Unsurprisingly, residents hate the idea and are resentful that they were blindsided by the announcement.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • In Agamemnon’s memory, Clytemnestra is as soft as Helen is hard, as fawning as Helen is resentful.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Definition of resentful
Adjective
  • The specifics are needed, as Baldwin’s words bring bracing, embittered context to the film’s lustrous European tour.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Page, an imposing figure in his double-breasted suit, can add a seductive lilt to his booming bass or an icy edge that provides a peek into his embittered soul.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Definition of embittered
Adjective
  • And then, on cue, Saturday thunderstorms compelled the acrid haze to stray.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • From torrid heat waves, to deadly flash floods, to raging wildfires and their associated acrid smoke — the signs are all around us, right now.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of acrid

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Cite this Entry

“Rancorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rancorous. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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