resentment

1
2
as in jealousy
a painful awareness of another's possessions or advantages and a desire to have them too I don't have any resentment over my friend's luxurious house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word resentment distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of resentment are dudgeon, huff, offense, pique, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

When could dudgeon be used to replace resentment?

While the synonyms dudgeon and resentment are close in meaning, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When can huff be used instead of resentment?

While in some cases nearly identical to resentment, huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

When might offense be a better fit than resentment?

Although the words offense and resentment have much in common, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When is pique a more appropriate choice than resentment?

The words pique and resentment are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When is it sensible to use umbrage instead of resentment?

The meanings of umbrage and resentment largely overlap; however, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

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 resentment Rather than trying to win friends, the wielders of coercive hard power bully others with economic and military might, sometimes achieving their short-term goals but inevitably building resentment in the process. Angela Lederach, Oc Register, 8 May 2025 This led to widespread anger and resentment amongst the population, much of which felt disillusioned with politics and the democratic process. Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 May 2025 Getty Images file But resentment between the two countries dates back to 1947 when Hindu-majority India gained independence from British colonial rule. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 7 May 2025 And resentment is growing that the burden is not shared equitably across all segments of society. Dina Kraft, Christian Science Monitor, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for resentment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resentment
Noun
  • The daughter of the trickster god Anansi, Abena spent her entire life terrified that her dad would lose her in a bet, and still bears a grudge that the Doctor couldn't take her away.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 10 May 2025
  • Football folk have memories that would impress elephants and a mafioso’s capacity for holding grudges.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • While most people understand intellectually that their partners have dating histories, having that history literally living down the hall creates an ongoing reminder that can trigger jealousy.
    Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • This case is about love, jealousy, infidelity and money.
    Jenna Sundel Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The city councilor and over two dozen residents responded to Eureka Street after the presence of federal agents in the neighborhood sparked anger Thursday morning.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • Tangent Posts made by the X account named after Prevost triggered anger among some of the president’s most vocal supporters online.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Among its grievances, the union is seeking access to safe, clean bathrooms and clearer employee seniority lists, and is concerned with issues like rerouting of trucks, member productivity and terminations.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 May 2025
  • Backlash on the right, motivated by a combination of ideological and ecclesiological grievances, popularized attitudes that questioned the legitimacy of Francis’ authority.
    Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • The project educates students about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and the importance of standing against all forms of prejudice.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Republicans such as our current president spew contempt like volcanoes of hatred, prejudice and madness.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Noun
  • The night was maddening enough that, after the sixth inning, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior was ejected for expressing his frustration with home-plate umpire Jeremie Rehak’s strike zone — the first ejection of Prior’s baseball life.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 May 2025
  • Particularly if Devers' frustration in Boston grows.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • But there’s vulnerability buried in that sort of indignation.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 May 2025
  • The feeling was one of indignation at the officiating and at UEFA, European football’s governing body.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resentment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resentment. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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