Synonyms of resentment

resentment

noun

ri-ˈzent-mənt 

1

as in grudge

a lingering ill will towards a person for a real or imagined wrong

if you continue to harbor resentment toward your father, you'll never be able to move on with your life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grudge
• grievance
• hostility
• bitterness
• score
• condemnation
• malice
• animosity
• spite
• enmity
• complaint
• antagonism
• down
• umbrage
• malevolence
• meanness
• rancor
• antipathy
• offense
• venom
• spleen
• viciousness
• spitefulness
• despite
• pique
• hatefulness
• dudgeon
• maliciousness
• huff
• peeve
• nastiness

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

• jealousy
• hatred
• envy
• animosity
• enmity
• enviousness
• malice
• covetousness
• invidiousness
• green-eyed monster
• spitefulness
• ill will
• maliciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sympathy
• kindness
• goodwill
• benevolence

3

as in anger

the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity

my resentment at being spoken to like I'm stupid

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anger
• huff
• frustration
• indignation
• irritation
• exasperation
• umbrage
• offense
• pique
• dudgeon
• displeasure
• annoyance
• discomfort
• outrage
• grief
• peeve
• miff
• indignity
• ire
• agitation
• upset
• angriness
• distress
• perturbation
• aggravation
• vexation
• insult
• disturbance
• temper
• dander
• tantrum
• affront
• pet
• slight
• bother
• irateness
• pouts
• tizzy
• barb
• slur
• brickbat
• botheration
• fit
• slap
• sulk(s)
• dig
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• satisfaction
• pacification
• appeasement
• happiness
• pleasure
• gratification
• contentment
• delight
• mollification

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

Recent Examples of resentment

But at some point the resentment began to really take root. —Olivia Krupp, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026

The business will be down for some time, but Azzouzi holds no resentment. —Jermont Terry, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

Political and media elites hoard status and wealth by keeping you in a perpetual fever of resentment and fury. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Accusations like this are expressions of fear, resentment or loss. —Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026