sour 1 of 2

Definition of sournext
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
Another thing that soured Harris was one his scenes being cut. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026 The start of the war in Iran soured the reputation of the US government at home and abroad. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Adjective
That, combined with a 3-14 finish, left a sour taste in right tackle Armand Membou‘s mouth. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026 As voter sentiment has grown sour over widespread surveillance, the candidates running for Florida’s top job have made a point to denounce the technology on the campaign trail. Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faces a fight for political survival in elections in October after angering his fellow West Bank settlers by voting not to punish ultra-Orthodox Jews who refuse to serve in the military.
    Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The actor also objected to being a locker room scene that required full-frontal nudity, which allegedly angered Russell, TMZ reported.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Clean granite with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth; avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon.
    Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The magic is the schug (a vibrant blend of spicy Italian long peppers, garlic and herbs) and tomato seeds that add an acidic kick.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • This was because Lawrence made a point to make the experience as unpleasant as possible for her costar.
    Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The reduction in intake was not caused by making the food unpleasant.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The plan is to then gradually introduce louder sounds, Coen added, to discover the level at which a sonic boom noise goes from being acceptable to unacceptable.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Given the national security stakes, the prospect of foreign governments being able to suspend access to critical models at a whim started to feel like an unacceptable risk.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But some one-time backers have been infuriated by his support last month for a law that would prevent the arrest of ultra-Orthodox Jews for avoiding the military draft.
    Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The trade infuriated fans and likely delighted the MLB executives and owners who are thirsty to implement a hard salary cap in the next collective bargaining agreement.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There was an acid trip of a halftime show starring Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-ion and other technologies all have a role to play in the electrification landscape.
    Darren Tan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes the mood turned bitter, with fights erupting over insignificant matters.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Not that Tottenham Hotspur appear willing to consider an approach from their neighbours and bitter rivals for their captain, let alone sanction a sale.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The agent that flagged a bad clause in June stops flagging it in July, and nobody did anything wrong, and nothing broke.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub’s material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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