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
In the decade that followed, relations soured. Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 With the Epstein files, a feeling that has long been souring appears to now be way past its expiry date. Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
Adjective
Even trading in the Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) – which had been seeing more persistent call-buying and more balanced volumes overall – started to turn sour as Tuesday's session worsened. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 9 June 2026 For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well. Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sour
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sour
Verb
  • The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he’s gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that’s hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged.
    Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 12 June 2026
  • The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he's gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that's hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • These involve removal of thorium from REE containing acidic solution, as well as the selective extraction of REEs using oxalic acid.
    Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
  • The acidic nature of coffee can be a source of discomfort for people with acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
    Christina Manian, Health, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Toussaint, a Black British actor, also addressed unpleasant early backlash against his casting from internet trolls.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 June 2026
  • No, the most unpleasant part of descending into New York City's vast sewer system, according to former urban explorer Steve Duncan, was the cockroaches.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The third strand of anti-vaccine advocacy, that compelling vaccine use is unacceptable, is a philosophical claim, not one of fact.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • There is, of course, Itaewon, which is historically more associated with foreigners and other outsiders, where all who are deemed unacceptable are accepted.
    Anton Hur, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • While most of the familiar multi-variety white cuvées are traditional blend styles from regions like Rhône Valley, Rioja, Tuscany, or Bordeaux, a handful around the globe—and especially from the New World—combine varieties that would infuriate traditionalists.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 7 June 2026
  • The decision to send in state troopers – some on horseback – infuriated many protesters while drawing praise from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
    Leigh Waldman, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • De la Espriella also represented some high-profile victims, including Natalia Ponce de León, who was the target of an acid attack in 2014, and Rosa Elvira Cely, whose murder in 2012 generated national outrage and led to the creation of Colombia’s femicide laws.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 1 June 2026
  • New York — In New York’s Hudson Valley, the artist Anicka Yi has erected columns bursting with mercurial microbial life, in hues of acid green and coffee, arranged like an archaeological dig at Storm King Art Center.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • To be whole without the effort of stretching oneself out, without the exercise that leaves a bitter taste.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • Kennedy’s efforts showed how bitter rivals could nevertheless work toward a common goal.
    Abigail R. Hall, Oc Register, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the truth may be that Anthropic is wrong about Mythos’ dangers, and that the government is taking a drastic action that could potentially hurt the US in the technology race with China.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 13 June 2026
  • But it was soon revealed that the actors were given the wrong envelope by accountants from Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the firm charged with counting Oscar votes, keeping the results secret and organizing and handing out envelopes to presenters.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sour.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sour. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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