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
In the following years, the relationship between Musk and Altman soured, with Musk departing in 2018 after reportedly trying to take over leadership of the company, which failed. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 July 2025 Those internal discussions have soured some of the morale on the foundation models team, also known as AFM, in recent weeks. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2025
Adjective
But when Dexter relapsed back into killing and exposed his son to the family trade, the homecoming turned sour and Dexter begged his kid to shoot him–– and Harrison obliged. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 11 July 2025 Things start turning sour once Jess and Zev move in together. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • The group invited those angered by rollbacks on things such as voting rights, essential services and free speech to join them July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2025
  • The story, though, didn't die down and Trump only appeared to grow more angered by the pushback from his supporters.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • In oxygen-rich soil, microbes thrive, contributing to decay, and acidic pH levels erode natural materials like leather.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • The sharp, slightly sour sauce brought the fries back to life with an acidic, satisfying kick.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
  • Set a Timer For particularly difficult or unpleasant tasks, set a timer for a short duration—for example, five to 30 minutes—and commit to working on that task until the time is up.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • In his short stint in Scranton, that number has come down a hair, but still resides at an unacceptable 29.4%.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Mistakes should not be viewed as failures or unacceptable setbacks, but rather as calculated risks—necessary steps in the iterative journey of progress.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 22 July 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
  • From lo-fi hip-hop to chamber pop, from acid funk to orchestral rock, the fingerprints remain.
    Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
  • The floors are done in chestnut-toned wood, with acid green carpets made from bamboo silk, while the VVIP suite has its own private sitting room.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Instead of feeling defeated or bitter, choose to get better.
    Sandra Balogun, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Despite her success as an art professor and painter, Ruth feels adrift and bitter.
    Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, Putignano says there’s nothing wrong with expecting a teen to clean their room, just as your parents expected of you.
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • There is nothing wrong with having adapted in this way.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sour

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!