sour 1 of 2

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
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
Verb
Consumer sentiment soured in October as a government shutdown threatens to weaken a wobbly economy beset by an uptick in inflation and a sharp slowdown of hiring, fresh data on Friday showed. ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025 Despite his impeccable physical beauty, Edward sours his first impression with Bella due to his hot-and-cold demeanor. USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Montmorency cherries are recommended as they are known for their tart and sour taste with high amounts of natural melatonin. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 From candy corn to chocolate bars to sour candy, shoppers are gearing up for spooky season with plenty of sweet treats. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • While one of her first moves — pushing specialized teachers into vacant classroom teaching jobs — angered the teachers' union, the new bonus for retirees was an idea that came from the union president, Ingrid Walker-Henry.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This move had angered India, which pointed to China not getting punished despite its role as an even bigger importer of Russian energy.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Reprise was actually my favorite with cherry and chocolate notes that were perfectly balanced and not too acidic.
    Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Fill the pot with loose, slightly acidic soil that drains quickly.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Playing a French player at Roland Garros is usually one of the more unpleasant tasks in tennis, given how rowdy the crowd can get when rooting for one of their own on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • But for all of those unpleasant aspects, the series’ ultimate concentration is on the Marines as a worthy organization devoted to helping mostly young men learn discipline, honor and the proper mechanics for a pull-up.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The New York State GOP Executive Committee then voted unanimously to revoke the Young Republicans’ charter on October 17, 2025, citing mismanagement and condemning the language as unacceptable in the party or its affiliates.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Others are preaching patience, but acknowledge that the status quo is unacceptable.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In ever more apocalyptic language, Trump has sought to unify his MAGA movement with strongman pledges to defend Americans from millions of hostile foreigners seeking to storm the country and to root out enemy aliens within.
    Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The film follows a ragtag group of actors (played by Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, among other stars) from an ‘80s sci-fi series who aliens unexpectedly abduct during a convention appearance.
    Matt Juul, BostonGlobe.com, 7 July 2023
Adjective
  • 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
  • Normally, acid from citrus is used to curdle the milk, before the solids are removed to leave a rich drink.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Free Press, which Paramount bought for about $150 million, paints itself as a voice of the center but draws its energy from the bitter US culture wars.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • There were glimmers of hope, even in bitter defeat, for the reigning AFC champions.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Surely, that will rub some the wrong way, but the Tide have now beaten three teams that haven’t lost to anyone else in Georgia, Vanderbilt and Missouri.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The desire behind the making of the series was to right that wrong.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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