as in to anger
to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring
a misunderstanding that soured their relationship for a long time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in acidic
causing or characterized by the one of the four basic taste sensations that is produced chiefly by acids
the sour candy made our mouths all wrinkly inside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unpleasant
not giving pleasure to the mind or senses
you'll have to face up to the sour truth of the matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
things started off well, but now it's all gone sour
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 sour
Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Since the movie's release in September, the relationship between the two has soured and in the weeks leading up to the bond hearing the filmmaker in court filings accused Goudreau of deceit, financial coercion and threatening conduct.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2025
James Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Miso wafer cookies sit next to gummies saturated in li hing mui, a sour plum powder.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sour
Verb
The public’s impression soured.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
Since the movie's release in September, the relationship between the two has soured and in the weeks leading up to the bond hearing the filmmaker in court filings accused Goudreau of deceit, financial coercion and threatening conduct.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The liberal chat room turned sour—my God, what a snake pit that must have been.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
Miso wafer cookies sit next to gummies saturated in li hing mui, a sour plum powder.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
-
Obama’s enthusiastic showings for both candidates was a test of whether his sway over the Democratic Party still remains after his support for Harris failed to boost her to the White House a year ago and angered black male voters who felt unfairly accused of sexism.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has angered many Americans by wearing masks while on duty, attacking peaceful protesters and arresting mostly people with no criminal record.—
Tom Roland,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Highly acidic foods like pickles and tomatoes will react with the can after an extended period of time, causing both taste and texture changes so pay particularly close attention to expiration dates on these items.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Soil and Water Japanese maple likes a slightly acidic, humus-rich soil with good drainage.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Its natural deodorizing properties help neutralize the unpleasant smells associated with pets, according to Stein.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
-
The 75-year-old ginkgo trees have been wafting the unpleasant smell into the air at the Northern California park, forcing residents to brave the stench that is comparable to vomit, The Sacramento Bee and SFGATE report.—
Natalia Senanayake,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Not making payments to them for even another day is simply unacceptable.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Hufanga deemed that first-quarter Jeanty touchdown unacceptable because any touchdown is unacceptable at this point to Denver’s defense.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
At the beginning of the book, aliens implant images of tool-using into the minds of man-apes.—
Larissa MacFarquhar,
New Yorker,
27 Oct. 2025
-
On the other hand, this rebranding risks aliening White Castle's core customer groups.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The idea of dissolving the self in an acid bath of erotic imagery was not, in the end, so unappealing.—
Daniel Kolitz,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Avoid an acid overload of tart and tangy (pickles and citrus), a bold flavor competition, sweet and funky flavors colliding (fruity jams and aged cheeses), and a clash of spicy meats and cheeses with delicate fruits and accompaniments.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
He was chosen as commissioner in October 1989 over New Orleans general manager Jim Finks after a bitter fight highlighting the differences between the NFL's old guard and newer owners.—
NPR,
NPR,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Arugula Arugula is an aromatic, slightly bitter leafy green.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
As analysis, that’s not wrong, but where’s the sting of it inside this bizarre bonbon of a musical?—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Despite his brilliance and intellect, he was prevented from having a full life by being born on the wrong side of Israel’s separation fence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share